Plan to transform popular Aussie beach town divides

It’s one of Australia’s most popular beach towns but it’s current state is looking “shocking”, according to one of the country’s biggest architects.

Byron Bay’s mayor has sensationally lashed a renowned architect’s “unsolicited” plan to give the iconic tourist destination a major facelift.

An Australian landscape architect wants to transform the town’s beachfront, saying its current state is looking “shocking” and doesn’t match the town’s aesthetics.

David Vago, who has a portfolio of significant NSW projects including the Cronulla Sharks redevelopment, Pacific Bondi Beach and large-scale housing projects for developers Mirvac, has lashed Byron Shire Council for its lack of interest in his $30 million beachfront proposal.

Mr Vago, of firm Habit8, wants to see the car park removed and replaced with grass and a solar-powered aquatic centre, complete with a 50 metre pool, gym, restaurant, cocktail bar, outdoor fitness area and wedding reception overlooking Main Beach.