Is Byron Bay getting a Justin Hemmes mega-pub?

If rumours are true, hospitality entrepreneur Justin Hemmes is buying up big in Byon Bay as he looks to open a mega-pub in the popular beachside region.

Word has it that Hemmes has completed negotiations for a major development site in Byron Bay, situated just off Byron’s famed Jonson St.

The site will be close to Byron’s famed Great Northern Hotel and The Beach Hotel.

It has been rumoured the Merivale boss has been interested in developing a signature Merivale “mega-pub”, similar to his popular Coogee Pavilion and The Newport pubs, which have become beachside giants in their respective areas.

The 49-year-old hotelier has been sighted around Byron for the past six months and is said to be “very keen” to break into the Byron pub scene.

It is understood Hemmes initially made an offer for the Bangalow Hotel in a competitive bid against rival pub baron Stu Laundy. An offer of $50 million for the historic hotel wasn’t good enough for owners NRL star Tom Mooney and wife Cathryn, who made it clear the pub was to remain in the family for the foreseeable future.

Hemmes was also eyeing off The Pacific Hotel.

Meanwhile, Laundy snapped up The Lennox Hotel for approximately $40million and Byron’s The Farm for $16 million in partnership with hotelier Fraser Short.   

Hemmes has so far declined to comment on his most recent proposal in Byron, which would mark his third venture outside Sydney.

Merivale recently acquired its first Melbourne interest, the historic Tomasetti House for $40 million on 26 April.

Hemmes is worth approximately  $1.06 billion.

Irit Jackson, 12th May 2021