Interview with National Award-Winning Hotel Co-owner Ian Tregoning

OVERALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR - REGIONAL: BRIDGEPORT HOTEL

In a huge win for the South Australian hospitality industry, the Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge has been recognised as Regional Hotel of the Year at the AHA’s National Awards for Excellence in Hobart.

“It was absolutely overwhelming and a sensational acknowledgement of the skillsets of our design team - our eleven in-house architects, our construction team, and our operational team,” said co-owner Ian Tregoning. “We were humbled by it.”

The Bridgeport is part of EDP Hotels, which is owned by Living Choice directors Ian and Graham Hobbs. The two were once just “tennis mates,” and it was a conversation at the courts that led to them deciding to go into business together.

EDP Hotels owners Ian Tregoning & Graham Hobbs.

Ian graduated from Flinders University with degrees in Economics and Honours Arts, he also has a graduate diploma in Property Development. He then worked in the family business, Treg Trailers, developing office warehouse properties.

At that time, Graham was Chairman of the legal firm Kelly & Co. Then, one night at the tennis courts, Ian brought up his desire to invest in a project with more capital gain, where he could also express his creativity.

Graham was interested, and a business partnership was born, one that would lead to some of South Australia’s most exciting hotel redevelopments.

“When you’re doing office warehouses, you can’t be too adventurous with design and colours,” said Ian. “Hospitality allowed me to let my head go a little bit and have a bit more fun with the décor.”

The Bridgeport Hotel redevelopment was a realisation of a dream after 20 years of ownership. It took six years to receive planning and development approval. It was a $45 million commitment, but was never in doubt as Ian and Graham’s deserved flagship hotel.

“We basically recognised the Bridgeport Murray Bridge as an iconic site because of the location overlooking the river,” said Ian.

The 100-room hotel has five bars, six function rooms, an infinity pool, and offers a luxe dining experience with the Rivergum Restaurant.

The restaurant’s menu features local produce and beverages, and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rivergum Restaurant.

After officially opening its doors on 8 June 2021, the Bridgeport was awarded Best Overall Hotel and Best Redevelopment Hotel – Country at the 2021 AHA|SA awards. Add the national AHA’s recent award to the collection, and it seems the future is bright for the Bridgeport.

The Bridgeport has also been instrumental in boosting local employment rates in Murray Bridge. Students at Murray Bridge High School who were taking Certificate ll or lll in hospitality or cookery were offered jobs as juniors, and jobs forums were held for locals.

As far as what’s ahead, Ian said the team are working on encouraging businesses to hold corporate functions at the Bridgeport. The plan is also to feed off the new attractions in Murray Bridge, including the $35 million racetrack,

The Bend motorsport complex at Tailem Bend, and Monarto Safari Park. Upcoming projects include a $50 million, 350-home development, and a water park, set to further the appeal of the area.

“We’re one of the vital pieces in the puzzle… we provide 4.5-star accommodation in a country town, a mere one hour's drive from Adelaide on the freeway,” said Ian.

(L-R) Darren Steele EDP Hotels - General Manager of Operations (SA), Graham Hobbs - Owner, Ian Tregoning - Owner and Lisa Tregoning.