UPDATE: The Byron Shire Council has just announced a deferral on the controversial redevelopment plans for the Bangalow Hotel, allowing for further negotiations following strong opposition from local residents. The decision, made earlier today, comes in response to overwhelming community concerns about the proposed $13 million redevelopment that threatens to transform the beloved venue.
Residents have expressed outrage over plans that would significantly alter the hotel’s character, including demolishing the historic timber bar and converting a cherished live music space into a gaming room with 20 poker machines. This proposed change sparked fears of losing cultural heritage and community engagement in Bangalow.
During a council meeting, Labor councillor Asren Pugh emphasized the importance of preserving live music in the area, stating, “While I understand the current owners may have found it problematic… it doesn’t mean that another owner in the future might be able to take a more creative approach.” Pugh’s comments highlight the community’s desire to maintain a venue that has long supported local artists and events.
The council staff had initially recommended approval of the redevelopment, citing compliance with relevant planning controls. However, the backlash from residents prompted a unanimous vote to postpone the decision. The council has requested the hotel owners to submit revised plans or a response within the next 14 days.
Local opposition has been vocal, with dozens of submissions expressing concerns about the venue’s transformation. Many residents fear that the gaming room will overshadow the hotel’s historical significance and its role as a community hub.
While the owners plan to enhance certain aspects of the venue, such as additional outdoor decks, the removal of the live music area has elicited particular disappointment. The community’s fight underscores a broader struggle between commercial interests and cultural preservation in small towns like Bangalow.
As discussions continue, the future of the Bangalow Hotel remains uncertain. Local advocates are hopeful that alternative solutions may emerge, preserving both the venue’s heritage and its role in supporting local musicians.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and join the conversation on social media to express your views on the Bangalow Hotel’s future.
