The Big Orange will finally bear fruit again after plans for its revitalisation were officially approved.

The Berri landmark in South Australia’s Riverland will be developed into a distillery, brew house and restaurant — marking an end to two decades of inactivity.

The 15 metre tall structure will be retained to form the centrepiece of the $1.5 million project. 

The Big Orange changed hands several times over the years in the forms of numerous attempts to revive it, including local suggestions for it to be remodelled as a strip joint. 

Current owner, Fred Vallelonga, took on the site from his father, Frank, more than two years ago. 

“It is exciting to finally get an indication that the project will be moving forward, it has been a slow process to get to this point,” he said. 

“But I am hopeful things will start to fall into place and that before too long we will be open to the public.” 

Mr Vallelonga said community interest and engagement with the Big Orange had always been heartening and entertaining, especially suggestions of the Big Orange becoming a strip club.  

“There has been quite a bit of support from the community which I am grateful for, I hope the project meets their expectations when complete.”

Showcasing best of region 

Adelaide Planning + Development Solutions director Mark Kwiatkowski said he would work with Mr Vallelonga to deliver the project. 

“What’s been approved has been the result of eight months in the making, of working with the council and bringing the best out of this site,” he said. 

The Adelaide-based developer said he remembered visiting the Big Orange and feeling disappointed it was closed.

“When you look at a site of this scale you want to do it right,” Mr Kwiatkowski said.