$9m housing plan revealed for tourism hub Byron Bay

A $9m proposal for apartments in tourist hot spot Byron Bay will include affordable housing for retail and hospitality workers. Here’s what’s planned.

A render of what the Byron Bay development may look like. Picture: Supplied

A $9 million proposal for apartment blocks in Byron Bay will include affordable housing prioritising retail and hospitality workers.

Local businesses are supporting the planned 24 homes for 60 Bangalow Rd in the bustling tourism hub.

It’s understood five apartments will be set aside for low to medium-income earners.

The proposal states it will contribute to addressing the housing crisis and the identified challenges for local workers to find suitable accommodation.

A render of what the development may look like. Picture: Supplied

Byron hospitality businesses are on board with the development application as they believe it will provide better accommodation for staff.

Beach Byron Bay Director Ben Kirkwood said employees faced challenges in finding affordable housing locally.

“It affects their wellbeing and work-life balance. Access to affordable housing provides financial stability and contributes to a happier, more engaged workforce,” he said.

Bay Grocer owner Sarah Swan said she had seen the hardships staff faced when looking for housing in Byron over the recent years.

“Affordable housing provides our staff with stability, confidence and a sense of belonging within the community,” she said.

The Bay Grocer, Byron Bay. Picture: Supplied

“This in turn provides the chance for them to have a good work-life balance … and the entire community thrives due to continuing diversity and stability within its population.”

The Woman’s Village Collective (WVC), which help women access safe and affordable homes, said they had been attuned to the critical issue of housing in the Byron Shire.

“If the intent for this project is to include housing that is affordable to women facing insecure housing, then we are happy to support it,” Director of WVC Ann Uldridge said.

Each apartment will have one or two bedrooms and the total cost is estimated to be $9,001,755.00.

The land planned for the proposal. Picture: Supplied

Propel Investment Management lodged the application on January 12 and said the apartments would consist of three buildings each with two storeys.

It will include a pool, 30 ground-level parks with CCTV monitoring and six bike spaces.

However not everyone, including neighbours, are happy with the proposal.

A render of what the development may look like. Picture: Supplied

One person was concerned with the potential traffic congestion it could create in the area.

“Personally, I think it will be a traffic nightmare,” the disgruntled resident wrote.

Check out the council’s website for more information, or to have your say.