Byron Bay locals up in arms over Chris Hemsworth’s mega-mansion

HOLLYWOOD megastar Chris Hemsworth has drawn the ire of Byron Bay locals with a multimillion-dollar mansion renovation described as ‘inappropriate’ for the area.

HOLLYWOOD megastar Chris Hemsworth’s mega-mansion is taking shape, but the Byron Bay locals are not impressed.

New aerial images reveal the sheer scale of the super-sized home that has risen from the beachside bush since a wrecking ball took down the old property on the site.

The mansion, nestled in the hills above Seven Mile Beach, has already angered some in the secluded town who fear overdevelopment and being overrun by celebrities.

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Not everyone is pleased about Chris Hemsworth’s mega-mansion.

Hemsworth’s $8.7 million estate will feature an infinity pool.

Byron Shire Council has been peppered with concerns, with the home even being likening to a “shopping centre”.

And while Hemsworth may be Hollywood’s favourite hunk, locals now warn his nice-guy image could take a hammering due to his largesse.

The Thor actor and his Spanish-born wife Elsa Pataky are building the sprawling coastal residence at Broken Head, near Byron Bay, at a cost of more than $8.7 million.

Darren Birch, who has lived in Broken Head for 38 years, said the mansion was “inappropriate” for the area.

“It seems excessive but there’s not much we can do about it — nothing surprises me in this town these days,” Mr Birch said.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor.

Actor Chris Hemsworth and wife, actor Elsa Pataky. Picture: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Plans lodged with the council detail the lavish extent of the mansion, which will be home to Hemsworth, Pataky and their three young children. The multi-storey estate ­includes sweeping views of the beach and will boast an infinity pool.

But Mr Birch said the celebrity influx meant the town was losing its charm.

“It used to be very quiet, but the overflow from (Byron Bay) is horrendous: you can’t get a park, you’ve gone from surfing with three people to surfing with 53 people,” he said.

Another local, who requested anonymity, feared it could spoil the view.

“If they cut too many trees down, so you can see it when surfing out in the ocean, it will be a real problem,” he said.

The controversy comes months after the council cut off parking to the surf beach, effectively giving the spot to Hemsworth and a handful of other residents. It’s understood a compromise was reached but tensions remain.

Chris Hemsworth and his wife, actor Elsa Patakay. Picture: Instagram

Broken Head is 12km south of Byron Bay and home to about 30 people.

It has become a popular destination for publicity-shy VIPs, with the likes of his brother’s fiancee Miley Cyrus, Matt Damon, Naomi Watts and Olivia Newton-John among regular celebrity visitors.

The couple bought the 4.2ha site in September 2014 for $7 million after deciding to move back to Australia from Los Angeles.

But the original home — with eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms — was deemed not luxurious enough and was knocked down just before Christmas. The family is understood to be renting nearby during the renovation.

Hemsworth, 34, broke into television on Home and Away before becoming an international household name for his portrayal of Thor.

He has appeared in seven Marvel pictures, including all three Avengers films.

Comment was sought from Byron Bay Shire and Hemsworth.

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