Heysen Hotel set to transform the Adelaide Hills
Construction of the Heysen Hotel is set to bring a major transformation to the Adelaide Hills.
The A$30 million development has secured planning approval with construction slated to begin later this year.
This will be the first new pub built in Mount Barker in more than 160 years.
Located on Heysen Boulevard in the expanding Mount Barker South precinct, the three-storey venue is designed as a central hub for both locals and visitors. It will accommodate more than 1,000 patrons and include a bistro, sports bar, gaming lounge, function rooms, spacious outdoor areas, a drive-through bottle shop, and undercroft parking.
Mount Barker businessman and real estate agent James Sexton, a key representative of Business Mount Barker, emphasised the project's importance for the growing community.
“It’s incredible to think that it’s been over 160 years since a pub has been built in the area. The Heysen Hotel will be a game-changer for Mount Barker, creating new jobs and injecting fresh energy into the local economy,” said James Sexton.
“When the last Mount Barker pub was built, the town had a population of just 1,500 people, and now in 2025, the community is over 45,000.”
“The population of Mount Barker continues to grow at a phenomenal rate with 500 houses being built every year, bringing in over $19 million in potential retail spend in the district each year, so this new hotel project is much needed and welcomed by the community,” added James.
Behind the project is Brett Matthews, executive chairman of family-owned hotel operator Piermount whose portfolio included The Stiring Hotel, The Crafers Hotel, The Stanley Bridge and The District Hotel.
The Heysen Hotel will be designed as a sophisticated and welcoming venue, in its bid to be a must-visit destination in the Adelaide Hills.
“We wouldn’t be able to process with a project of this size if it wasn’t for the full and unwavering support of the District Council of Mount Barker. The Council has been amazing and pivotal of encouraging and supporting this type development for the benefit of its community,” Matthews said.
“We are excited about the new project and its location. The elevation of the hotel will be a highlight of the venue where patrons can enjoy the balcony with unsurpassed views of the undulating Adelaide Hills, the Mount Barker Summit and the twinkling lights of Mount Barker.”
“We’re all about showcasing local and we truly embrace the Adelaide Hills. This new venue plans to employ over 150 people and many of those will be locals.”
The hotel is expected to open in mid-to-late 2027.
Jonathan Jackson, 17th March 2025
