Byron Bay apartments

Byron Bay's Jonson Street is set for a new $100 million mixed-use development.

Local <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Bay</a> developer, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/jd-property-group">JD Property Group</a>, has been approved for a luxury shoptop development at 119-123 Jonson Street, a 2,725 sqm block just 750 metres from Main Beach and on the corner of Jonson and Kingsley Street.

They'll launch the project, dubbed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/secret-garden-119-123-jonson-street-byron-bay">Secret Garden</a>, this month.

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-new-apartments-planned-for-byron-bays-jonson-street">First look: New apartments planned for Byron Bay's Jonson Street</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-new-apartments-planned-for-byron-bays-jonson-street"><img alt="Secret Garden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8a152c7-32be-4813-b414-6b85991175f5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-13%20at%209.05.01%20am.png?VersionId=03MVZS.3oyVl41AqHTxhzacPEbGsxbpR" /></a>

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/secret-garden-119-123-jonson-street-byron-bay">Secret Garden</a> is JD Property Group’s second premier Byron Bay development. Following the success of its flagship precinct, Jonson Lane, it promises to bring the spirit of the Byron Bay Hinterland to the centre of town with premium amenities, green spaces, and a personalised concierge service for residents.

Secret Garden will comprise 22&nbsp;apartments, including luxury penthouse suites, alongside 10 upscale retail and hospitality tenancies on the ground floor. The premium-grade retail space&nbsp;will showcase local talent, including top chefs, designers, and artisans, while bringing some of Australia’s leading brands to the Byron Bay township.

JD Property Group Managing Director and third-generation local, Jason Dunn, said the precinct aims to spotlight what makes Byron Bay uniquely special.

“As a proud local, I am excited to showcase the best of Byron in a world-class, luxury precinct,”&nbsp;Dunn said.

“Every element has been thoughtfully considered and designed. From partners to products, we have aimed to work with our local community at every stage. This includes partnering with a local landscape architect to incorporate natural vegetation in our expansive greenspaces, which account for more than 40% of the precinct’s ground floor area. We have also worked with a local designer to deliver a rustic, coastal, and authentic style emulating the Byron Bay coast and hinterland, not yet seen in residential apartment living.

“Secret Garden is a very different offering to others in the market and has been positively received by our community and stakeholders. We anticipate strong interest from residents and retailers.”

<img alt="Secret Garden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="693766ea-1cfa-404a-abc6-0d6adaec163d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-13%20at%209.05.35%20am.png?VersionId=Ppyt6WNxXgEKByRO.OJBI.bQnnONGouZ" />

From amenities to personalised service, Secret Garden will offer residents a hotel-style service experience. The precinct features premium communal spaces,&nbsp; such as a rooftop wellness centre including magnesium pool, sauna, meditation space, and spa. There's an exclusive terraces for residents, BBQ areas, and a teppanyaki grill. A private concierge will be part of the project.

With an eight-star average NatHERS (Nationwide Housing Energy Rating Scheme) score, Secret Garden is a fossil-fuel free residential development. Its sustainability credentials include high-performing internal features, like glazing, to regulate temperature; water-efficient fixtures and fittings; and a ventilation strategy that maximises fresh, clean indoor air.

<img alt="Pool" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d23a872-b6fe-445e-91e1-6e72dadaf73a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-13%20at%209.05.08%20am.png?VersionId=fgXoCyEXa6ybwtizp_EHGAIyLSW4QhAk" />

“We are proud to be delivering a sustainable development that offers residents the choice of 100% renewable energy supply,” Dunn added.

“Our market-leading sustainability commitments are a true point of difference for our precinct.

“Sustainable design is a must for us, and we aim to celebrate and nurture our natural environment at every stage of the process. We hope to attract residents and retailers who share these values.”

The three-storey precinct is a collaboration with Australian architect, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bayley-ward">Bayley Ward</a>, renowned local interior curator Island Luxe, and local landscape architect, LARC. It follows JD Property Group’s award-winning Jonson Lane project, which has around 80 per cent of its retail, restaurant, health, and wellness offerings serviced by local Byron-based brands.

Secret Garden will comprise 22 apartments, including luxury penthouse suites, alongside 10 upscale retail and hospitality tenancies on the ground floor

Joel Robinson

Byron Bay set for Secret Garden after luxury shoptop development gets approval

Property developer Omira Property Group has carved out a reputation as one of the most architecturally-focused villa developers in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and the southern areas of the Gold Coast.

Now they're bringing their classic coastal-style to Ballina, following success in the likes of Byron Bay, Currumbin and Kingscliff.

They've brought the same team down from their most recently completed development, Asana, on Byron Bay's dress circle Marvell Street. Asana comprised just three luxury villas which sold with prices ranging from $4.4 million to $4.6 million.

The new <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/ballina-nsw">Ballina</a> project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/mana-86-90-norton-street-ballina">Mana</a>, comprises 14 luxury villas, each with over 220 sqm of internal space. They start from $1.95 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264603]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/omira-property-group">Omira Property Group</a> Director Alasdair Baker says the villas will represent an opportunity for prospective purchasers to live in something Ballina hasn't seen before.

"Ballina has everything Byron Bay has and more at half the price tag," Baker says, calling the area a "sleeping giant of opportunity that's just about to wake up."

"The focus in this region has always been on Byron Bay, but when people travel north or south, they realise the same lifestyle opportunities, with multiple beachside precincts, exist up and down the coastline."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264608]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/c2-architecture">C2 Architecture</a>, whose concept embodies an iconic coastal aesthetic with architecture inspired by Palm Springs, is working with designer Mon Palmer of Bare Cabo design studio who has developed an interior scheme that emanates calm.

Marble features predominantly throughout the three-bedroom villas, with stone cladding, timber-look panels and white render on the exterior to create a cool coastal effect.

Hit-and-miss brickwork serves to protect the home from the heat while welcoming summer breezes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264613]

Baker says the project will suit the local downsizer market, those who have been on acreages in the region, as well as those from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane who are looking for the Byron Bay-style lifestyle.

Baker says a project of this calibre needs to have a location to match, which is why they settled on a prime site on Norton Street,&nbsp;a literal stone's throw from&nbsp; North Creek and just over a kilometre to Ballina Fair Shopping Centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=261478]

Pacifico Property, who sold Omira's Asana <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Bay</a>, is marketing Mana, which is slated for completion in 2025.

One of the villas has already been snapped up pre-launch for $2.4 million, bought by a downsizer from Byron Bay.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144558]

Omira Property Group bring luxe villas to Ballina as Mana launches

The rejuvenation of Byron Bay's main thoroughfare, Jonson Street, is set to continue.

New plans have been lodged by local developer Jason Dunn, whose JD Property Group is proposing a mixed-use development at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/119-123-jonson-street-byron-bay">119-123 Jonson Street</a>. Earlier this month JD Property Group won two major awards at the 2023 NSW Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards for their mixed-use project Jonson Lane, down the road from the new proposal.

The latest project will be just 22&nbsp;apartments above an activated ground plane.

The 2,727 sqm site, 750 metres from Main Beach and on the corner of Jonson and Kingsley Street, will home six retail spaces and a food and beverage tenancy, set around a central courtyard.

<img alt="Byron Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a829d92c-4234-47e5-b4ef-8c3356212ec1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-09%20at%208.39.57%20am.png?VersionId=BEip2.99q9f.pudTQbwYA6HXgqIdCv7q" />

There will be 85 parking spaces created, 44 retail and 41 residential, across the two basement levels.

The two levels above the 1,073 sqm of retail will comprise 22 two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The nine apartments on the top level have their own private rooftop terraces. They share the roof with a communal pool for all of the residents.

Architecture firm BayleyWard refined their designs after working with the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Bay</a> Department of Environmental Planning for the most desired outcome.

A pre-lodgement community engagement program was undertaken late last year, with only one property making contact regarding the proposal despite a letterbox drop to every property within a 500m radius of the site, an ad in the Byron Shire Echo, and a site notice. The Community Engagement Report suggested it could be because the comprehensive project website provided sufficient information and answers.

"Whilst there were questions and there was feedback (almost all of it was positive and none of it was negative), there were no requests for changes to the draft proposal," the report noted.

<img alt="Byron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7f46ceb-fade-45f1-9645-7203e2b00b0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Byron.jpg?VersionId=Ue5TJNSc4OAciGaUYhITV2K0vvXn_g8M" />

BayleyWard noted in their Design Statement that the&nbsp;client and design team has developed an architectural response that addresses key issues discussed during the consultation process with the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Bay</a> Design Excellence Panel.

"In considering the urban design response to Jonson Street, it was recommended that there is a two-storey expression on Jonson Street with a recessed in alignment with the objectives of the Byron Shire DCP to support the desired street character," the report read.

"This two storey expression has been incorporated into the proposal with an accentuated ground floor retail storey with a masonry balcony element articulating the second storey above. The upper levels are set back and expressed as a darker recessive masonry materiality to minimise visual impact when viewed from the streetscape."

Apartment entry spaces have been designed with generous areas adjacent to front doors to accomodate bike or surfboard storage, planting, or a place to sit and interact with neighbours.

"These spaces extend private amenity into the semi public walkways promoting a sense of ownership, connectivity and community among residents."

<img alt="Jonson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="722f6081-ac06-408e-a7d7-bf75d8cfba53" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-09%20at%208.54.52%20am.png?VersionId=Lam1.Q42bGrDb690YTTKyu0REteLiU.d" />

Larc Landscape Architecture said the vision seeks to aligns with the aspirations of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Bay</a> Town Centre Masterplan to “connect the Centre of Byron Bay with the spirit of its community.”

"The project strives to create new diverse social hub to encourage locals and visitors to come together - centred around a new public courtyard activated with retail, lifestyle and well-being to create a unique and authentic place in Byron Bay."

The half of the site, 119-121 Jonson Street, is currently home to function and event venue Secret Garden, while 123 Jonson is occupied by a holiday accomodation block.

<img alt="Jonson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="346b8d77-6963-43bb-8b40-7a07c801190e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-09%20at%208.34.59%20am.png?VersionId=IMiQ7ZJvEqYOivcZqHzi3B0vPsfF3IFk" />

JD are also planning Jonson Lane, 28 apartments above a commercial precinct at 139 Jonson Street.

Jonson Lane won the Excellence in Boutique Development Category at the UDIA Awards. They also took home Silver in the Retail Development Category, bringing home the Commendation Award. They were the only Northern Rivers development to win an award or be nominated as a finalist in the 2023 Awards.

“Whilst we are proud of the awards, we are learning as we are progressing” Dunn said.

“As well as our collaboration with Architects Bayley Ward, we are working closely with sustainable development consultants HIP V. HYPE on 119-123 Jonson Street. They are responsible for some of the greenest developments in Australia and I really love what they bring to the table.

"Our intention is that this will be one of NSW’s most sustainable developments”.

Elsewhere on Jonson Street, Sydney developer Podia is working with local hotelier on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-116-118-jonson-street-byron-bay">The Bonobo by Raes</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-116-118-jonson-street-byron-bay">The Bonobo by Raes</a>, at 116-118 Jonson Street, is offering a collection of 44 hotel-managed apartments, pitched as an alternative to Airbnb.

Luxcon have their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/bohemian-90-96-jonson-street-byron-bay">Bohemian project</a> of 44 apartments above a 1,750 sqm retail shopping and international food plaza at 90-96 Jonson Street.

<h2>Fast Facts</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Address:&nbsp;119-123 Jonson Street, Byron Bay</li>
	<li>Developer: JD Property Group</li>
	<li>Site size: 2,727 sqm</li>
	<li>Retail space: 1,073 sqm</li>
	<li>Dwellings: 22 apartments
	<ul>
		<li>6 x two-bedroom apartments</li>
		<li>11 x three-bedroom apartments</li>
		<li>5 x four-bedroom apartments</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Jonson Street has been a hive of activity in the last 12 months, with Luxcon and Podia also developing new apartment projects

First look: New apartments planned for Byron Bay's Jonson Street

A new development in Byron Bay is hoping to create a new blue-print for all future mixed-use developments in the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Shire Council</a>.

The new three-level project at 9 Marvell Street, near a number of cafes, restaurants, and the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/byron-bay-nsw">Byron Bay</a> Bowling Club, will have a mix of eight three and four-bedroom apartments above ground floor commercial tenancies, and a resident-only rooftop with swimming pool and barbecue deck.

Australian research lab Finding Infinity prepared a&nbsp;Design Excellence Report - Sustainability, for the project, stating is has the potential to "offer better experience."

"This project is an opportunity for leadership - to create an example that makes it easy for everyone else to follow," the Report read.

The Report said it can be a place that’s easy for residents to have a positive environmental impact, calling it a "finely tuned machine."

"A building that is built cost-effectively and is high performance with a positive impact. It functions simply, and has ultra-low operating costs. It’s easy to maintain and run. Spaces are comfortable and the community thrives. A zero-carbon operational building."

They said the building could reach&nbsp;the environmental-financial threshold, where every profitable initiative is implemented, improving both the environmental and financial performance of the project.

<img alt="Byron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a132943-252d-41dc-afda-b6ec0c863882" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-07-07%20at%2011.55.11%20am.png?VersionId=0HWkwOCF5tXlvgdqdp5Bpf69Vdl30y1E" />

The 1,013 sqm site, currently home to the Byron Bay Dive Centre, has been owned by local businessman Perry Bartholomew, who is the Dive Centre's Managing Director, since 2009, when it was bought for $2,275,000.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/harley-graham-architects">Harley Graham Architects</a>, who also designed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/bohemian-90-96-jonson-street-byron-bay">The Bohemian</a> for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/luxcon-group">Luxcon Group</a>,&nbsp;put the plans together for the $12 million development. The average apartment size is 140 sqm.

There will be EV charging facilities in one car share space in the building, however provisions are proposed for an additional eight charging spaces to meet future demand.

Finding Infinity's Report said that it is predicted that by 2035, 50 per ent of new car sales in Australia will be electric.

Research done for the City of Sydney showed that 81 per cent of residents were in favour of installing EV charging.

<h2>Sustainability initiatives</h2>

<ul>
	<li>High performance facade and considered orientation</li>
	<li>Mixed Mode Ventilation</li>
	<li>Efficient lighting, appliances, equipment, and HVAC systems</li>
	<li>100% electric, no gas connection</li>
	<li>Heat pump DHW</li>
	<li>Rooftop Solar PV</li>
	<li>Imported GreenPower</li>
	<li>EV charging and future-proofing</li>
	<li>Smart controls and apartment kill switches</li>
	<li>Efficient water fittings and fixtures</li>
	<li>Rainwater collection and reuse</li>
	<li>Recycled water connection</li>
	<li>Zero-waste tenancy agreements</li>
	<li>E-water systems</li>
	<li>Organic waste separation</li>
	<li>Non Toxic Construction</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Australian research lab Finding Infinity prepared a Design Excellence Report - Sustainability, for the project, stating is has the potential to "offer better experience."

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