Byron Bay, NSW (9 June 2017) The NSW North Coast tourist hub of Byron Bay is building on its reputation for sustainability and eco-awareness with one of the town’s most ambitious developments in decades – an innovative two-storey shopping complex boasting significant green credentials.

The Mercato on Byron development, which is expected to be completed by spring 2018, will include a new supermarket, speciality retail and a nine-screen cinema complex and it is being billed as New South Wales’s most sustainable shopping complex, according to Sophie Christou, Principal of Raine & Horne Byron Bay and leasing agent for the development.

“Woolworths have already signed on as the anchor tenant, with a new store to be constructed on the ground floor of the shopping centre, while other tenants include Palace Cinema, Cicchetti Byron Bay and a handful of boutique specialty retailers and eateries,” she said.

“Mercato on Byron will align perfectly with Byron Bay’s culture, and is the result of consultation with the Byron Shire Council and the developers Azzura International and Wingate.

The development will employ the latest in sustainable design and technology, and aims to be the country’s first regional shopping complex to achieve a Five Star Green Star rating – making it a leading example of environmental sustainability.

Established by the Green Building Council of Australia in 2003, Green Star is a voluntary rating system that assesses projects on their level of environmental sustainability. Research shows that Green Star-certified projects produce 62% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and use 66% less electricity than standard buildings.

“Key elements in the Mercato on Byron’s green rating will include the use of solar electricity, recycled materials, natural light and ventilation, and greywater harvesting throughout the complex,” said Ms Christou.

The development boasts a total floor space of 7,895 square metres set over two levels, with 321 underground car spaces including electric charging bays, as well as 24 motorcycle bays, bicycle parking, vertical gardens and outdoor dining.

“The complex will offer tenants a unique space to express themselves and an opportunity to flourish as part of an integrated urban marketplace,” said Ms Christou.

Expressions of interest have also been called for an artisan bakery, delicatessen, barber, cobbler, gourmet grocer, fitness/wellness operator, homewares, a gallery and event space operator.

Approximately 30 spaces are available for lease in the Mercato complex, from kiosks to larger stores, and tenants will be encouraged to incorporate natural and recycled materials, and living plants wherever possible, in keeping with the Byron Bay ethos, noted Ms Christou.

Mercato on Byron is located on Jonson Street in the town’s most central retail district, and completion is scheduled for August/September, 2018. Expressions of Interest are sought now.

To find out more about Mercato on Byron, visit mercatoonbyron.com.au or call 02 6685 6588 or Sophie Christou, Raine & Horne Byron Bay on 0419 399 222.

For further media information contact:

Sophie Christou, Principal, Raine & Horne Byron Bay on 0419 399 222

Byron Bay boosts green credentials with new upscale shopping complex