Byron Bay plaza project finally ready to begin

CONSTRUCTION will start later this month on the $100 million-plus redevelopment of Byron Bay’s South Plaza.

Work is due to start later this month on the Mercato on Byron shopping centre.

CONSTRUCTION will start later this month on the $100 million-plus redevelopment of Byron Bay’s South Plaza more than two years after it was due to begin.

The Mercato on Byron project is a joint venture between finance and investment firm Wingate and Gold Coast developer Robert Badalotti’s Azzura International Constructions.

Mr Badalotti gained approval from the Byron Shire Council in 2014 after almost a year of negotiations and scheduled construction for April the following year.

However, he opted to enter into a partnership with Wingate, which purchased a 75 per cent equity stake in the project in September 2015.

Since then construction has been delayed by selecting a builder, finalising the construction management plan and more recently shifting a cable running under the site.

The two-level centre is earmarked for a 5500sq m site on Jonson St, the town’s main street.

The 8500sq m precinct will have 28 tenancies and be anchored by a 3500sq m Woolworths supermarket.

Other tenants will include a Palace cinema complex, Cicchetti’s restaurant, Camera House and Byron Bay Teppanyaki.

Construction is set for completion by late next year.

A spokesman for Wingate said that there was strong demand for quality retail space in the Byron Bay market.

Azzura’s Gold Coast projects include the Wings and Wyndham resorts.

Mr Badalotti has plans for a three-tower development called Imperial City on the Mercato on Ferry site.