Byron Bay’s Cheeky Monkeys nightclub to become ritzy restaurant and bar

Byron Bay’s notoriously wild Cheeky Monkeys backpackers nightclub is set to transform into a ritzy restaurant and bar under the vision of hospitality baron Justin Hemmes’ Merivale Group.

Byron Bay’s wild backpackers Cheeky Monkeys nightclub will become a ritzy bar and restaurant.

Byron’s wild backpackers Cheeky Monkeys nightclub is set to become a ritzy bar and restaurant – once the Merivale Group gets rid of the wall-ridden asbestos.

A hazardous material site survey found evidence of non-friable asbestos in some of the internal wall linings hidden behind wooden framework, which is not out of the ordinary for older buildings.

The walls are set to be gutted and the roof replaced to ensure the building is safe for the incoming patrons and staff, with plans approved by the Byron Shire Council in April.

The Merivale Group, owned by top hotelier Justin Hemmes, forked out $13.5 million to buy the nearly 900sqm site, which is located on 115 Jonson St, in 2021.

The development will feature a natural, bohemian look with the implementation of wooden materials and greenery sprouting from the rooftop.

The outside of the Cheeky Monkeys nightclub.

The $1,372,844 facility will transform the venue once known for table dancing and cheap drinks into a swanky restaurant and lounge bar.

It is unknown if the Cheeky Monkeys name will be retained by the Merivale Group.

It’s unknown when the bar and restaurant will open.

The floor plan for the new bar and restaurant.

Cheeky Monkeys was owned by the Red Rock Leisure Group and the venue was forced to close at the beginning of the first Covid outbreak and never reopened.

At the time of purchase, Hemmes told The Daily Telegraph he was looking forward to spending more time in the area.

“I’ve been going to Byron since I was 10 years old, so it has always been a place close to my heart. I can’t wait to open our first venue on the North Coast and spend more time in the area,” he said.

“There’s simply no place like it.”

Year 12 school leavers celebrating schoolies at Cheeky Monkeys nightclub.

Among the venues owned by Merivale are The Ivy Precinct on George St, the Coogee Pavilion, Dolphin St and The Paddington, Oxford St.

The site has a long history and once housed the Mexican Mick restaurant, which opened in 1969.

The iconic venue was a place where local residents spent their birthdays.

Before the restaurant opened each night Mr Cambray said: "It's showtime folks!"

The late owner Mick Cambray is remembered for wearing a sombrero and delivering birthday cakes with sprinklers to tables.