Big Orange (South Australia)
Big Orange | |
---|---|
Big thing | |
Architectural style | Novelty |
Location | Berri, South Australia |
Coordinates | 34°14′47″S 140°37′15.1″E / 34.24639°S 140.620861°E |
Construction started | 14 January 1980 |
Cost | A$145,000 |
Client | Bronte Coombe, Ven Chubb and David Marshall |
Height | 15 metres (49 ft) |
Dimensions | |
Diameter | 12 metres (39 ft) |
Weight | 15 tonnes (15 long tons; 17 short tons) |
Technical details | |
Structural system | Fiberglass panels over steel frame |
Floor count | Four |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | John Twopenny |
Main contractor | Hoffmann Engineering |
The Big Orange is one of a number of
History
The Big Orange was conceived by Bronte Coombe, Vern Chubb and David Marshall. The three invested $145,000 into the venture in the mid-1970s, and the Big Orange opened on 14 January 1980.[3] At the time it was claimed to be the "largest sphere in the southern hemisphere", and Bronte Combe is quoted as stating that it was the only big thing at the time that had a business conducted from within it.[4]
In 2002 the Big Orange was sold for between $100,000 and $120,000 to RivSkills, an employment and training agency.[5] They operated the attraction as an Enterprise Learning Centre,[4] but two years later the Big Orange was forced to close, with the owners citing "financial losses and management issues" as contributing factors.[6]
Two years after it closed, in 2006 the Big Orange was purchased by Kevin Dickerson. The
In the late 2010s, there were local initiatives to revive the site – including a tongue-in-cheek proposal to turn it in a strip club – but these were unsuccessful.[1]
In 2023, plans were submitted proposing to redevelop the site with a brewery, distillery, bar and restaurant.[1]
Design and construction
The Big Orange was designed by John Twopenny, an
A footbridge is used to access the main structure, within which can be found four levels. As of 2004, the first contained a function room, the second a combination souvenir shop and café, while the third level possessed a 360-degree mural depicting the local scenery. The fourth floor has a lookout providing a view of the surrounding
Footnotes
- ^ a b c "Big Orange development application outlines plans for distillery, restaurant at former tourist attraction". ABC News. 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
- ^ Oaten (2000), p. 47.
- ^ Clark (2004), pp. 185–186.
- ^ a b c Clark (2004), p. 186.
- ^ Littlely (6 March 2002), p. 35.
- ^ "Troubled Big Orange loses appeal" (8 June 2004)
- ^ Jenkin (25 June 2008), p. 30.
- ^ a b "Big golf ball suggested as landmark" (23 September 2008)
- ^ "Big Orange: Berri auction sours" (30 October 2008)
- ^ "Big Orange stays" (22 November 2008)
- ^ "Big Orange theme park plans 'all over'". ABC News. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
- ^ Clark (2004), p. 185.
References
- "Big golf ball suggested as landmark". ABC News Online. 23 September 2008. Archivedfrom the original on 26 September 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2008.
- "Big Orange: Berri auction sours". The Advertiser. 30 October 2008. p. 5.
- "Big Orange stays". The Advertiser. 22 November 2000. p. 2.
- Clark, David (2004). Big Things: Australia's amazing roadside attractions. ISBN 0-14-300200-7.
- Jenkin, Cara (25 June 2008). "Tourist treat can be yours". The Advertiser. p. 30.
- Littlely, Bryan (6 March 2002). "Berri Big Orange sold". The Advertiser. p. 35.
- Oaten, Chris (28 January 2000). "Nothing but the Berri best". The Advertiser. p. 47.
- "Troubled Big Orange loses appeal". ABC News Online. 8 June 2004. Retrieved 28 September 2008.