Byron Bay Heritage Inspires New-Wave Hotel

Podia is poised to break ground on its Byron Bay project, The Barbotine, after winning planning approval earlier this year. 

Podia acquired the 4282sq m premium Jonson Street site last year for $18.55 million.

The three-storey, 41 hotel-apartment development was designed by the lauded Brisbane architecture firm Richards & Spence, who also designed the famed Calile Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. 

Podia and joint venture partner, Centennial Property Group, have engaged Lahey Constructions in partnership with Parkview under an Early Contractor Involvement contract with early works due to commence next month.

The Barbotine will sit alongside the Mercato at 116-118 Jonson Street, with up to six retail tenancies incorporated in the design and a mix of two to four-bedroom apartments. 

Podia director Michael Grassi said the large and flexible-space apartments would enable prospective buyers to own a hotel residence to use while in Byron but also let out.

“The Barbotine is a new concept catering for guests who want the intimacy and home-away-from-home feel of an Airbnb, but with the service of a boutique luxury hotel; and for investors who want the returns of an incredible holiday property but without the hassle of upkeep and security,” Grassi said.

“The Barbotine intentionally redefines the hotel experience and curates an unforgettable destination in Byron Bay that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The Barbotine, a French word for liquid clay used to decorate pottery, will be “innately Byron” taking style cues from the township’s heritage buildings, including the Great Northern Hotel and Timperley’s Corner.

Richards and Spence co-director Ingrid Richards said the three-storey hotel would centre on a densely landscaped communal courtyard with brick form offset, with pre-cast and off-form concrete and balconies creating articulation along the facade. 

“We’ve sought to create a sustainable and conscious building that celebrates its iconic location and is inspired by the Byron Shire’s historic urban fabric,” Richards said.

“We want this to be a true local destination, one that supports the arts and channels the creative culture that characterises Byron Bay.

“The contemporary architectural approach will create a strong identity to mark the arrival into the south Jonson Street precinct.

▲ Podia is set to break ground on its innovative Richards and Spence-designed apartment hotel, The Barbotine.

“A cluster of boutique retail tenancies and food and beverage uses will bring the ground floor to life, while the central courtyard provides a unique experience of a vertical landscape to encourage shared activities between visitors and guests.”

The hotel will be managed by independent luxury hotel operators Jeremy & Jones.

It will offer apartment living with “luxury personalisation” and a concierge service. 

A communal rooftop crowns the building and features a central swimming pool in landscaped surrounds, with private rooftop terraces adding further amenity.

Podia is targeting completion for late 2023 and an expressions of interest campaign is under way for apartment sales. Apartment prices range from $1.85 million for a 2-bedrom apartment to $3.65 million for four bedrooms.

It comes off the back of recently filing plans for a six-storey, 23-apartment development at Neutral Bay. 

Also in the lower north shore suburb, Podia is behind a 25-apartment project, Premier Place, nearing completion around the corner at 14-20 Premier Street.

Its current pipeline also includes projects in North Sydney and Surry Hills.