Prominent Byron Bay backpackers slated for redevelopment into a retail, serviced apartment building

The family that owned and operated a prominent Byron Bay site for almost four decades has expressed “unwavering support” for the demolition of the building to make way for 41 apartments, shops and a rooftop swimming pool.

The former operators of a backpackers hostel in Byron Bay have expressed their support for its slated redevelopment into serviced apartments.

The site at 116-118 Jonson Street, home to Byron Bay Holiday Village Backpackers, sold for more than $18 million in February.

A development application, brought before Byron Shire Council by Aidop No 5 Pty Ltd and Aidop No 6 Pty Ltd – associated with Sydney developer Podia – has proposed demolition of the existing backpackers accommodation and construction of a new mixed-use development.

An estimated total of more than $27,660,000 worth of works are proposed in the application.

The DA, lodged with the council on May 27 and now on public exhibition, has sought approval for ground floor retail premises, 41 serviced apartments across two levels, guest facilities including a rooftop swimming pool and basement carparking.

Katie Wilson, the proprietor and director of Byron Bay Backpackers Pty Ltd, wrote a letter of “unwavering support” for the proposed development, which was among documents submitted to the council.

“Our family have owned and operated at this site for 38 years and it is quite emotional letting go, however, we are so pleased with the architectural design and overall vision for the site that we are very seriously considering our association with the property by purchasing one of the apartments within the development once completed,” Ms Wilson wrote.

“Since selling the properties to the applicant … the developer has engaged with us extensively regarding their proposed plans to redevelop the site.

“We are pleased to say that the developer has collaboratively worked with us to clarify all of our concerns regarding the proposed plans for the site.

“Generally speaking, we believe the proposal will make a positive contribution to the area and the streetscape by providing a beautifully designed building that will provide a superior accommodation offering that will elevate the standard of mixed-use developments and serviced apartments in Byron Bay.”

The two properties combined have an area of 4282 sqm and the existing backpackers has 28 rooms with a capacity for 116 guests at 116 Jonson Street and 24 units with space for 84 guests and shared facilities at 118 Jonson Street.

According to documents lodged with the council, Podia has worked with Brisbane-based architecture firm Richards & Spence to create the plans for the site.

The documents list the main issues raised in preliminary community consultation as noise during construction, the impact on southern neighbours, dust impacts during construction, security, parking and noise and visuals from machinery.

The DA is on public exhibition until July 8.