The Gopher: Details emerge of mystery new basement bar in Manly

We can reveal what the future holds for a once-loved Manly institution which mysteriously closed in September. Find out what is in store for the curiously named new basement hospitality venue.

The Old Manly Boatshed, on The Corso, was a nightlife institutioin for 38 years until it closed oin September. It’s set to be replaced by a new basement venue called The Gopher. Picture: Joe Murphy

Details are beginning to emerge about a curiously named new basement hospitality venue that is looking to open on the site of one of the northern beaches’ most beloved former nightspots.

Northern Beaches Council has received a development application for permission to build the entrance and signage for a venue called “The Gopher”, in the heart of Manly.

If approved, the relatively ornate doorway, would replace the entrance to underground The Old Manly Boatshed, which had been a landmark on The Corso until it abruptly closed its doors in September.

For those that don’t know - a gopher is a cute burrowing furry rodent from North and Central America that lives underground in a network of tunnels.

The door development application, which includes plans for a bronze plate with The Gopher’s name, a fabric awning and decorative glass above the door, was submitted to the council on October 27 by a company called The Gopher Manly.

The proposed design of the entry to a proposed new hospitality outlet, The Gopher, to take over the premises that was used by the Old Manly Boatshed music venue and nightclub on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Supplied

A search of company documents lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) show that its director is Matt Clifton.

Mr Clifton is the head of the Saga Group, which already operates four popular venues in Manly — Donny’s Bar, Henry G’s, InSitu and The Hold.

Matt Clifton, head of the Saga Hospitality Group. Picture: Damian Shaw

On September 19, an application for a Complying Development Certificate, prepared by a private certifier, for “internal fit-out works” to the interior of The Old Manly Boatshed at a cost of $451,000, was submitted to the council.

The document stated that the proposed use of the premises was for an “existing restaurant/bar/ nightclub”.

Architects plans submitted with the application show an array of banquette seating, a bar, a stage, a kitchen, a number of tables and chairs, timber flooring and wall panels, mosaic tiles and a snug.

There would also be decorative glass behind the bar.

A plan of the interior layout of the proposed The Gopher nightspot on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Studio Pulp

Greedy Smith and Martin Plaza from Mental as Anything, when the band appeared at The Old Manly Boatshed in 2002. Picture: Elenor Tedenborg

The Old Manly Boatshed closed in September after entertaining locals and visitors to the northern beaches for 38 years.

Its owner, Goff Burgess, told patrons that he was forced to shut down because of “circumstances beyond” the venue’s control.

Mr Burgess wrote that “The Old Manly Boatshed has grown into Australia’s longest running live music and comedy venue … to say this is a shock is a total understatement”.

Mr Clifton has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as The Gopher: Details emerge of mystery new basement bar in Manly