Manly Boatshed: $1.9m proposal for extension and cafe met with criticism

A local family who live in and own the Manly Boatshed have submitted a $1.9m proposal to Northern Beaches Council for alterations and additions, which has been met with criticism.

Artist impression of proposed alterations and additions to Manly Boatshed at Fairlight. Picture: Northern Beaches Council website

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A local family have hopes they can turn their boat storage business at North Harbour into a “recreational hub” and a popular coffee spot in a $1.9m proposal but it has been met with criticism.

Manly boatshed at Fairlight currently offers 39 commercial swing moorings, kayak and paddle board storage, rigging repairs and services on the harbour with additional amenities including toilets and showers.

Artist impression - Manly Boatshed is proposing an extension which would include a kiosk shop and cafe, and new facilities. Picture: Northern Beaches Council website

A report submitted to Northern Beaches Council on behalf of the owners show existing structures on the site on Bolingbroke Pde are “coming toward the end of their useful life”.

Documents on the council’s website reveal the development proposal includes a 4m extension of the existing boatshed building and introducing a kiosk shop and cafe on the ground floor which will provide “light refreshments” to customers and will cater for “users of the Spit to Manly walk”.

Artist impression - a Fairlight boat storage business is looking to expand into a “recreational; hub” and cafe. Picture: Northern Beaches Council website

There will also be renovations to the first floor which is a residence for the Treharne family who have owned the property since 1945.

Other major works will involve the demolition of the jetty, wharf and deck area and construction of a new deck level with safe water access and seating for the food venue.

The plan has attracted a mixed response from the community with more than 50 public submissions.

Some of the objections flagged concerns about noise, traffic, parking and environmental impact.

Current site Manly Boatshed site at Fairlight. Picture: Northern Beaches Council website

Fairlight property owner Joanne Mulhearn said additional parking permits would “further restrict the parking” for residents.

“My main concern is parking, the next concern is noise generated. They’re talking about a kiosk which is quite large from 5am to 10pm and some of the residents in my block have children and babies,” Ms Mulhearn said.

“I just think that’s wrong, a kiosk wouldn’t finish at that time so it’s going to be like a restaurant. It’s a quiet area and noise travels.

“The other point I had is the people supporting it don’t even live in this area. I think the council need to take that into consideration.”

Fairlight resident Simon Buttenshaw said his main concern was the “volume of traffic”.

“While they’re saying there’s only two or three more car parking permits, it looks like they want to turn the business into a restaurant and bar so that will bring people from all over the place,” Mr Buttenshaw said.

The Manly Boatshed site is currently subject to a development application which proposes alterations and additions including an extension and cafe. Picture: Northern Beaches Council

“I understand their desire but there’s a lack of parking. What’s also concerning is how it will be during contruction.

“To park in my street it’s costing my family $300 and we only have one garage so we often have to park far away.”

However, some residents were in full support of the project.

“As part of an active paddling and sailing community, good and well maintained access points to Sydney Harbour are becoming increasingly scarce and I strongly support this application,” Patrick Langley of Bilgola wrote in a submission to the council.

The two sons of the man who built the Manly Boatshed, a well known boating and transfer service at Fairlight. Brothers Hugh and Ian Treharne pictured around the Boatshed.

Ben Sims told the Manly Daily he couldn’t wait for the development after having to store his paddle board at a mate’s place because of a shortage in storage facilities in the area.

“I moved here from the country and I’m an avid sports person. I think it’s a great idea and a real benefit to the community”.

Owner of the property subject to the development, Jeanine Treharne, responded to objections.

“The plans provide a much more accessible recreational area for the community so they can access the water safely,” Ms Treharne said.

Jeanine and son Sam Treharne, a family who own the Manly Boatshed. Picture: SIMON DEAN

“There’s a big demand for people to be able to keep their kyaks here and we’re full so we want to make a bit more room.”

She said the kiosk “is very small” and will “provide coffee for our local customers”.

“It’s not attracting people to drive here, it’s just for people walking past. It will be less noisy and much more environmentally friendly.”

She said the family business has been passed down through generations, with her son Robbie Treharne managing it now.

The council is accepting public submissions until June 28.