Rumours Justin Hemmes is set to open mega-pub in Byron Bay

Rumours are flying that Justin Hemmes has finalised negotiations for a major development site in Byron Bay, and has plans to open a ‘mega-pub’ there.

Hotelier Justin Hemmes has been kicking the tyres around Byron Bay for several months, and Confidential now hears the Merivale boss is poised to finally make a big foray into the town that has caught the world’s attention.

Spies around the northern NSW hotspot say Hemmes has recently finalised negotiations for a major development site just off Byron’s famed Jonson St — home to the Great Northern Hotel and The Beach Hotel.

It is rumoured Justin Hemmes is set to open a mega-pub in Byron Bay. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

And it’s rumoured a signature Merivale “mega-pub”, similar to his popular beachside giants Coogee Pavilion and The Newport, is planned for the site.

It follows a handful of sightings of Hemmes, 49, in Byron over the past six months, with the pub mogul said to be “very keen” to break into the area.

It’s under­stood he made at least one offer on another — the nearby Bangalow Hotel — which was ultimately turned down.

Yesterday Hemmes declined to comment on his proposed big Byron “buy in” — potentially his third venture outside Sydney.

It would follow two major transactions for Merivale recently, with the company acquiring its first Melbourne interest, the historic Tomasetti House, bought for $40 million on April 26.

Two weeks prior he acquired a basement space on Bridge St.