The Bonobo by Raes: New luxury project coming to Byron Bay
The minds behind Byron Bay’s most luxe and celebrity-preferred venues are building a swanky new project – insisting the multi-million dollar digs will improve the holiday destination’s local housing crisis.
NSW
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The group behind an iconic Byron luxury hotel beloved by Hollywood A-listers are building a new playground for the rich and famous in the heart of the tourist town.
But the developers say it will cater to aspiring local homebuyers too – despite steep prices and residents’ discontent with the once-sleepy hippie township’s star-studded reinvention.
The Bonobo by Raes, a $29m two-level complex housing 41 apartments, with some comprising up to four bedrooms, located on 116-118 Jonson St in Byron Bay.
The uber-luxe digs are being developed by Podia and designed by architects Richards & Spence who have partnered with Centennial Property Group.
Raes owner Antony Catalano said the new apartment-style hotel would alleviate pressure on housing stock which is often used by families for short-stay accommodation at the expense of rental options for residents.
But for all its ideals of increasing housing availability for local residents, the accompanying residential segment of the development has prices starting at $2.5 million.
The Catalano family’s iconic Raes portfolio also includes celeb-approved venues Raes on Wategos, Raes Dining Room, Raes Cellar Bar and impressive super yacht Sea Raes.
Raes on Wategos has long been frequented by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars – Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman – and some of Australia’s most recognisable influencers.
Richards & Spence made waves in Brisbane after designing the elegant Calile Hotel, along with parts of the James St redevelopment in Fortitude Valley.
Podia development director Michael Grassi said Bonobo would house guests “from all walks of life”.
“Byron is very well-visited by celebrities, The Bonobo is the largest project of its scale in town and will be a significant contribution architecturally,” he said.
“With Rae’s brand and reputation, I’m sure it’s fair to say there will be celebrities attracted.
“The Hemsworths live in Byron, among many other celebrities, and their friends and family visit them.
“I’m sure it will attract that (celebrity) demographic at various points.”
But Mr Catalano said he wouldn’t promote celebrities staying at The Bonobo.
“We are not building a business to attract celebrities,” he laughed.
“If celebrities want to come that’s great but we are building for Australian tourists, international guests and those who want a great experience.”
Mr Catalano said The Bonobo was a “positive development” and would introduce more accommodation to the heart of Byron Bay.
“That lack of hotel accommodation in Byron Bay has led to a shortage of housing overall,” he said.
“It’s a much-needed requirement in town because people have been using Airbnb to stay in and as a consequence, Byron workers are being forced further out of town because of the housing shortage.
“It concentrates the visitors into the city centre rather than being spread all over the region … it’s catering to hotel-style accommodation for families.”
The housing shortage has long been a sore point for struggling families in both the Byron and Tweed areas, with Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon declaring affordable housing the “key priority” for the region.
Locals have vented frustrations for at least a decade over the amount of high-end AirBnbs proliferating the township, with scarce rental properties at an affordable price point left over.
The Bonobo will feature a private rooftop pool and a ground-floor retail precinct with fine-dining restaurants, bars, cafes, wellness spaces and other retail tenancies.
When it comes to the room rate cost Mr Grassi said a one bedroom room would cost about $250 per night and a four-bedroom apartment $1000.
“The apartments are available for sale too, we’ve sold 60 per cent and there’s still more available in stock,” he said.
But in relation to so-called affordable housing, a basic apartment in the project carries a hefty price tag of $2,500,000.
Real Estate agent Helene Adams said the development would cater to a “more up-market” crowd.
“Byron Bay is changing, I’ve been here for 22 years so I’ve watched the place develop over the years,” she said.
“Jonson St is going to become pretty much a 5 to 6-star precinct.
“The Bonobo is perfect for investors, most of the people we have sold to have been investors because of the rules and regulations of the development, as in you can only stay there 90 days a year.
“You can use it intermittently throughout the year as a vendor.”
RealEstate.com.au stated on its website The Bonobo is exempt from the NSW Government’s recent legislative restriction on short-stay rental properties.
“The Bonobo is positioned to fill the significant gap in Byron Bay’s limited accommodation options,” it reads.
Mr Grassi confirmed you can rent an apartment for up to 180 days.
Mr Grassi said The Bonobo differs from Raes on Wategos.
“It’s certainly going to have good-quality service but it is a very different price point to the luxury that is offered at Raes,” he said.
“It’s short-term accommodation available for families, couples, groups of couples for a wedding.
“It’s not a traditional hotel where you’ve got 30 sqm hotel rooms, we’re developing apartment hotels.”
The project’s estimated completion date is March to April 2025.
There has been a steady population increase in Byron Bay, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In 2016 there were 5521 Byron residents and by 2021 there were 6330 residents.
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Originally published as The Bonobo by Raes: New luxury project coming to Byron Bay
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