Summer (and winter for that matter) sees crowds arrive in Byron Bay in their droves. The result is booming demand in the beachside village for places to eat, to rest, and to shop. Enter Habitat.

The self-proclaimed first development of its kind in Byron Bay, the space is a purpose-built collection of six neighbouring buildings including commercial terraces and warehouse lofts. A hub for businesses and the community to coexist harmoniously, the Habitat Byron Bay concept has been specifically designed to form a village in its own right. There’s commercial and residential spaces, hosting retail, work, and food vendors, all conceived by Byron Bay local Brandon Saul.

“People are striving to achieve a good work/life balance,” Brandon explains of his idea. “Habitat is simply a reflection of this trend which is in-keeping with the Byron lifestyle. It’s also for those amongst us that want to lead a more sustainable, balanced lifestyle – without having to compromise on creature comforts or style.”

A collection of more than 40 well-known lifestyle businesses have already confirmed their involvement. There’s the likes of St Agni, Zulu and Zephyr, Pampa, The Bar Road, Byron Bay Hanging Chairs, Tigmi Trading and Our Corner Store, which will all be hosted under the same roof as a part of Habitat Home & Habitat Women. For the boys there will be The Department of Simple Things, run by owner of Mr Simple David Fraser. An in-house barber by Byron Bay Barber Co, a pop-up concept store from One Teaspoon, and a mid-century furniture showroom from Case 22 Byron Bay, will also be making an appearance.

The food offering will be led by Barrio Eatery and Bar, which will commence trade on December 27. Translated to neighbourhood in Spanish, the eatery is a partnership between Harvest co-owners Tristan and Kassia Grier, experienced bar and restaurant manager Dan Wyllie, and Argentinean born Chef, Francisco Smoje and wife Emma Byrne, who have developed a cult following at their pop-up ‘Francisco’s Table’ dinners around Byron shire. St Ali coffee, salads, takeaways, and a large charcoal grill section are all promised among the restaurant’s offerings.

“Francisco’s food is uncomplicated and uncompromising, which teamed with Dan’s hospitality, is a perfect fit,” explains Tristan of Barrio. “We want to create a real community feel at Barrio that the developers have already established at Habitat where it is an inspiring place to share ideas, network and relax,” he adds.