Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

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. 

A technical drawing of redevelopment plans.
A redevelopment of the site will include a plantation of orange trees.  (Supplied: Mark Kwiatkowski)

“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.  

“It was funny to hear and see some of the public ideas and rumours over the years,” the owner said. 

“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.”

A man in a suit smiles at the camera.

Mr Kwiatkowski says he is excited for the project.(Supplied: Mark Kwiatkowski)

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. 

“It was about us taking the time to get this right, to create the best use of the space, not only of the building but the surrounds as well.”

An orange tree in Gayndah.

Oranges will be a central feature of the tourism development.(ABC Wide Bay: Jess Lodge)

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. 

Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Tuesday

Source link