Construction is well underway at the new Sun Bistro on Bayshore Drive in Byron Bay and on track for a December 2014 opening.
The contract for construction of the Sun Bistro was awarded to Lismore’s Bennett Constructions in June. “This is a very unique job and we needed to find a contractor who would work with us to a stringent timeframe and with a capability to think outside of the box” said Development Director Jeremy Holmes. “The building was relocated from the old Byron Bay Beach Resort in four pieces back in May, then reconstructed in its new location with some major additions and modifications. We were really glad we could keep this work local”.
Bennett Constructions has been a family owned and operated business since Frank Bennett set up shop in 1938. In 1956 he welcomed son Col Bennett to the firm and upon Col’s passing in 2003 his wife Margaret continued the commitment and dedication that had been the firm’s trademark. In 2005 Margaret’s son-in-law Darryl Piper was appointed Managing Director, a position he maintains today.
Alan Campbell, who lives in Evans Head with his wife and four young children, is Bennett Construction’s Project Supervisor at The Sun Bistro. “It’s a good job, a great job” said Alan. “We don’t get to do a lot of jobs that involve so much hardwood and carpentry work. A lot of buildings these days are all concrete, not a lot of hardwood. It’s got great finishes.
“For me it’s good that this job is reasonably close to home, it saves driving to the Gold Coast and all over the place. And the kids play areas at the Bistro will make it easier to go out. It’s pretty hard to go out with kids”.
Plans are being finalised for the rebuild of Bayshore Drive as part of the North Byron Beach Resort, east of the Sun Bistro site, including a new road surface, formal car parking and footpaths, bins and a toilet and shower for use by the general public. “We will integrated these works in with the development of the Resort and hope to have them underway early next year” said Jeremy Holmes.
Planning continues to progress for the Byron Bay Heritage Tourist Railway, the proposed rail shuttle from Sunrise Beach to Byron township which is being funded entirely by the North Byron Beach Resort. “We continue to work closely with Council, the Rail Trail group and state government to progress the train” said Jeremy Holmes.