Manly Oval’s ‘flying saucer’ grandstand demolition plan has been grounded — for now

The future of a uniquely designed grandstand — the ‘flying saucer’ — at one of Sydney’s most popular sports grounds, is hovering in limbo.

It’s been 710 days since a plan to demolish the distinctive and out-of-date “flying saucer” grandstand and cricket pavilion at Manly Oval was adopted by Northern Beaches Council.

The idea to tear down the quirky structure and replace it with a modern $22 million facility is part of a wide-ranging revamp of historic Ivanhoe Park voted on by the council on October 26, 2021.

While work to transform the 150-year-old park — one of the first on the northern beaches — is well underway, the future of the old grandstand and pavilion is still in limbo.

The council confirmed on Friday that the grandstand project was still in the “concept stage” because it is waiting to see if applications for government grants to pay for it are successful.

The current grandstand and pavilion at Manly Oval, which is part of Ivanhoe Park. Picture: Supplied

In October 2021 it was made it clear in the council meeting papers that it would not be funding the grandstand and that “its development will rely upon funding from State and Federal Governments”.

The council was advised that the facilities did “not meet the needs of the existing users and does not comply with modern standards for (disabled) accessibility, food preparation areas or grandstand safety”.

This pavilion at Manly Oval, used by the Manly Cricket Club, with Dalley's Castle in the background, was built in 1894. Picture: Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society.

A new pavilion and grandstand would have a clubhouse, food and beverage facilities, public toilets, improved unisex change rooms, storage and indoor cricket training facilities.

An artist's impression of a possible new grandstand at Manly Oval. Picture: NBRS Architecture

But the Manly Warringah Cricket Club, which uses the oval for Sydney Grade cricket matches, said the players’ facilties were now “very tired, old and falling apart” and needed to be improved in the short term.

Club secretary Steve Beatty said on Friday that the construction of a new grandstand — completed on 2001 — was less of a concern.

The ‘flying saucer’ grandstand at Manly Oval under construction in December 2001. Picture: Carmela Roche

“I don't think anyone has the appetite to spend that $20 million, but our focus is on fixing things like the dressing rooms which are literally held together by tape,” Mr Beatty said.

“Our priority is to work with the council on renovation at this stage, rather than demolition.”

An artist's impression of a possible new grandstand at Manly Oval. Picture: NBRS Architecture

The 4.58ha reserve is made up of Manly Oval, a set of tennis courts and bowling greens as well as the Ivanhoe Park Botanic Gardens, further up the hill.

Other features of the Landscape Masterplan and Plan of Management for Ivanhoe Park, include reclassifying the scout hall for use by the general community and improved access from Sydney Rd to the Botanic Gardens.

Ivanhoe Park, showing the bowling greens, Manly Oval and the tennis courts on the edge of Belgrave St. Picture: Supplied

Work already completed includes reconstructing a heritage bridge and replacing the cyclone wire fence along Sydney Rd. The council is seeking development consent to demolish a former childcare building and create a recreation space for families. Upcoming works include restoring the War Memorial.

Mayor Sue Heins said Ivanhoe Park would become a “welcoming gateway to Manly and a beautiful recreational space for our community to enjoy”