Cadre Plots Co-Living Scheme at Byron’s Mullumbimby

Melbourne-based developer Cadre is planning a “less contentious” project for a town well-known for its hippie subculture and resistance to development just north of Byron Bay.

The firm, led by brothers Christopher, James and Nicholas Tyas, filed plans for 50 co-living units dubbed The Nest for a site at Mullumbimby with the Byron Shire Council this month.

The Harley Graham Architects-designed scheme comprises a midrise building that includes cafe, bathrooms, artists-in-residence office and 41 parking spaces at ground level, and two levels of co-living above.

It would replace two mid-century houses on the 1629sq m site at 115-119 Stuart Street, at the corner with Studal Lane. 

The community consultation report submitted to council said there was a need for well-managed rental accommodation within walking distance of Mullumbimby’s central business district.

“The project is in direct response to the housing crisis facing the Byron Shire and the wider Northern Rivers region,” the report said. 

“The Nest will cater to diverse demographics beyond traditional family homes and will be ideal for a range of community members.”

▲ Rendering of the proposed co-living development at Mullumbimby.

Feedback from 42 attendees at an information session showed the project was “not as contentious” as some others proposed for the area, the report said.

Also in Mullumbimby, which is 18km north of Byron Bay, the way has been cleared for a 25-townhouse project by the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Build-to-rent developer Callum Sked had appealed a deemed refusal by the Byron Shire Council for the proposal near the showgrounds due to potential flooding impacts and density.

An information session for the proposal drew 36 residents, 85 per cent of which indicated they were against the proposal by developer Sked No.2 Pty Ltd, which is led by Sked, who attended high school in the town.

▲ Rendering of the development and a Nearmap image of the site of the proposed development at Mullumbimby.

Story Design Collective architects designed the scheme for the site, a former cattle paddock of a 8740sq m site at 30 Chinbible Avenue. Each home would have a lot size of about 350 square metres.

The developer proposed low-density homes on the site in the flood-prone area.

But Sked amended the development application and the court ruled that development consent should be granted.

Sked has completed more than 30 build-to-rent projects in the region, including at Ocean Shores, North Ocean Shores and South Golden Beach, according to the community feedback report.