Future of Manly’s old Sea Life aquarium site remains undecided after vandals cause damage

It was once one of Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions, but since Manly Sea Life Sanctuary closed its doors 16 months ago, photos have revealed the derelict state the facility is now in. And it’s unclear what the future holds for the building.

The Manly Sea Life Sanctuary has been hit with vandalism. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

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The future use of the derelict former Sea Life aquarium site in Manly is still undecided 16 months after it closed its doors.

Vandals have broken into the building, on land owned by the NSW Government’s Roads and Maritime Services, at least five times since then.

Teenagers have been spotted inside the structure at the western end of West Esplanade, pulling down shelves and smashing through interior walls with fire extinguishers.

The damaged interior of the Sea Life Aquarium at Manly, which has been closed for 16 months. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

Smashed exterior doors and windows have now been boarded up and graffiti “tags” have been daubed on parts of the building.

The Manly Daily broke the news in March 2017 that the aquarium’s operators, Merlin Entertainments Group, decided it was no longer feasible due to the projected maintenance required to keep the site up and running.

One of the damaged doors at the aquarium. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

The derelict stairs at the aquarium. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

The RMS has previously said it has been approached by several parties with an interest in taking on the site.

It also said it would seek expressions of interest for the lease of the site in the first half of 2018 “in accordance with the current zoning.”

Manly Sea Life Sanctuary was a popular spot during the school holidays. Picture: Stock

As part of the Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) the empty site is currently zoned for recreational waterway use that only allows for boat sheds, environmental facilities and water-based recreation structures.

The zoning prohibits industries; multi-dwelling housing; residential flats; seniors housing and; warehouse or distribution centres.

The damaged interior of the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

The Manly Sea Life Sanctuary has been closed for 16 months. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

In April last year Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan said it would be an ideal site for a university school specialising in marine or maritime sciences.

A RMS spokesman said it was aware of vandalism at the site and had security measures in place, including regular patrols by security guards.

Little Penguins were one of the attractions at the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary.

“Options for the future use of the building are still being reviewed,” the spokesman said.

Mr Regan said this week that the Council recently sought community feedback on the first stage of its West Esplanade heritage activation plan, which included the aquarium site.

How the inside of the aquarium now looks. Picture: Jim O’Rourke.

“Following analysis of this feedback, Council is preparing a report that will go to the elected Council soon about what the community would like to see in this area in the future,” he said.

“We are continuing to work with the state government to get the best outcome for the community for this space.”

Vandalism on one of the doors of the aquarium. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

Manly state Liberal MP James Griffin said last year that it should remain in public hands.

This week Mr Griffin said: “The area itself presents an exciting opportunity to re-imagine what that part of West Esplanade looks like.

“As a community we will determine a future for that site which will enhance the area for residents and visitors.”