Company redeveloping Byron’s Holiday Village Backpacker site wants to give council $80,000 for public art

The developer wants to demolish an existing backpackers and construct a $27 million, three-storey building with a rooftop pool.

Developer Podia has proposed a $27 million mixed use development including serviced apartments at the Holiday Village Backpackers site at 116 and 118 Jonson Street, Byron Bay.

The developer behind a proposed serviced apartment building in the Byron Bay CBD would give the council $80,000 for public art if their development is approved.

Developer Podia is seeking approval to demolish the existing Holiday Village Backpackers buildings and construct a new three-storey development in its place at 116 and 118 Jonson Street.

If approved, it would involve ground floor retail premises and services apartments with two further levels of apartments above, with a total of 41 units.

A private swimming pool is among the guest facilities proposed for the rooftop and the development is expected to cost in the realm of $27.7 million.

The development application, lodged with Byron Shire Council in late May, was placed on public exhibition from June 10 to July 8.

Developer Podia has proposed a $27 million mixed use development including serviced apartments at the Holiday Village Backpackers site at 116 and 118 Jonson Street, Byron Bay.

But residents have now had their chance to have their say on a voluntary planning agreement which was added to the DA documents since that time.

According to the voluntary planning agreement, Podia has offered to contribute $80,000 to Byron Shire Council “for the purposes of council providing public art” if the DA is approved.

Based on the document, if the DA is approved an occupation certificate could not be issued for the development unless that contribution has been handed over to the council.

Architectural firm Richards & Spence is behind the design of the proposed building, which it says has drawn upon brick-centric designs key to some of Byron’s most iconic buildings.

They have included the Hotel Great Northern – also recently sold – and Hotel Brunswick among that inspiration.

The site in question spans more than 57 metres of Jonson Street, backs onto the rail corridor and is next door to the Mercato on Byron shopping centre.

Developer Podia has proposed a $27 million mixed use development including serviced apartments at the Holiday Village Backpackers site at 116 and 118 Jonson Street, Byron Bay.

To the south is another commercial property and two doors down is The Lord Byron resort.

During pre-lodgement community consultation Christian Millett from The Millet Group, which owns The Lord Byron as well as the Wake Up hostel near Belongil Beach, expressed support for the proposal.

“Currently the two buildings that exist on the properties are old and run down and do not enhance the character of the street or offer any amenity to the broader community,” Mr Millett said in the letter.

“The existing buildings provide limited off-street parking which creates additional congestion by increasing the demand for on-street carparking along Jonson Street.

Mr Millett said the “re-imagined proposal” for the property would “make a positive contribution to the Byron Bay Town Centre and surrounding streetscape”.

He said the architectural design was “fantastic” and he signalled his “full and unwavering support” for the project.

The operators of the longstanding backpackers on the site have also supported the plans.

Regarding the addition of the planning agreement, residents can have their say until September 7 via the council’s website.