Manly CBD: ‘Rightsizers’ targeted by developer of $100m seaside apartment block

‘Rightsizers’ and ‘downsizers’ are being targeted by developers of a $100 million apartment building, featuring three ocean view penthouses, in the heart of one of Sydney’s most popular seaside suburbs.

An artist's impression of the $100 million ‘shop-top’ apartment complex to be built at the corner of Belgrave, Whistler and Raglan streets — opposite Manly Oval, in Manly. Picture: SJB Architects

Work is set to begin on a $100 million apartment building in the heart of Manly.

Planning approval has been granted for the 5-storey “shop-top” block, featuring three ocean and Harbour-view penthouses, at the corner of Belgrave, Whistler and Raglan streets.

Developer, Time & Place says its design “echoes the resort-style lifestyle synonymous with the beachside locale”.

It says it has been designed to appeal to so-called “downsizers” and “rightsizers” — those who choose a home that suits their needs.

Time & Place’s NSW director Evan Papadopoulos said it would also “revitalise” the retail space on the ground floor and was speaking with a “local favourite retailer”.

“We don’t want another burger place, ice cream shop or a tobacconist, nothing against them, but there are a lot of them in Manly,” he said.

An artist's impression of the new apartment complex designed to appeal to ‘downsizers’ and ‘rightsizers’ in Belgrave St, Manly. Picture: SJB Architects

“And Whistler St is turning out to be a very cool street with its cafes and wine bars.”

Mr Papadopoulos said the development also aimed to appeal to locals who had lived in Manly for many years and were now seeking a “contemporary home without compromising on location, space or comfort, or the suburb’s desirable lifestyle”.

The Manly corner where the existing buildings will be demolished and replace with the 5-storey shop-top apartment development. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

An artist's impression of a previous proposed design of the shop-top apartment complex in Belgrave St, Manly. Picture: SJB Architects

“We’re particularly proud of the penthouses which will introduce generous outdoor spaces that offer unparalleled views,” he said.

“Future residents will appreciate the proximity to the beach and convenience to the ferry.

“They likely have grown up in Manly or lived here for many years and appreciate the unique lifestyle that Manly offers, where you can wake up at 6:30, be surfing by 7, then be back home, showered, and in the city by 8.30am.”

In May, the Manly Daily reported that Time & Place had paid for and arranged the refurbishment of part of the nearby Manly “Marlins” Rugby Club clubhouse.

Development company Time & Place, organised new wood flooring for the Manly ‘Marlins’ Rugby Club clubhouse. Picture: Supplied

The firm describes itself as a “community-centric” developer with a policy of supporting grassroots organisations and community groups located in the neighbourhoods it develops in.

Improvements to the clubhouse, in the pavilion above Manly Oval, included new timber flooring and fresh coats of paint. The work was done by contractors arranged for, and paid by, Time & Place.

“At Time & Place we don’t just create buildings, we create and invest in communities,” Mr Papadopoulos said.