Manly Sea Life Aquarium: Fate of derelict attraction cloudy as vandals and trespassers invade Harbourside site

Close to six years ago the Sea Life Aquarium closed and became a Harbourside eyesore. Now its NSW Government owners are paying private security guards to combat vandals and trespassers.

A state government department is paying for private security guards to combat vandals and trespassers plaguing an abandoned Sydney tourist site that its owns.

The taxpayer-funded guards have been called in close to six years after the iconic Manly Sea Life Aquarium closed and question marks still hang over its future use.

Transport for NSW, the owner of the prime Manly Cove location, released draft plans last year to tear down the dilapidated building and transform the site into waterfront public space.

At what it calls “Manly Cove West”, TfNSW has proposed opening it up for future outdoor dining, seating and recreation options.

Transport for NSW has hired private security guards to protect the abandoned former Sea Life Aquarium as its owner, Transport for NSW, is still to finalise plans for the site. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Transport for NSW has hired private security guards to protect the abandoned former Sea Life Aquarium site. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

TfNSW said removing the aquarium building would also “reconnect” the historic Swimmers Pavilion and other heritage buildings with the beach along West Esplanade.

But there is still no confirmation about whether the plan will go ahead and no timeline released for the demolition of the crumbling building, which has become a target for vandals and so-called “urban explorers” releasing videos, from inside the building, on Tik Tok.

Transport for NSW is still to finalises plans for the site. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Worried locals had also been complaining to Liberal State MP for Manly, James Griffin, about anti-social behaviour and the dangers faced by people seen climbing onto its roof for late night drinks’ parties.

Mr Griffin is now calling on TfNSW to urgently provide concrete public information about when the aquarium, and its crumbling infrastructure, will be bulldozed and the site returned for public use.

BEFORE: The former Sea Life Aquarium building at Manly Cove. Picture: NSW Government

AFTER: An artist's impression of the former Sea Life Aquarium site after it is demolished. Picture: NSW Government

Mr Griffin also said the need to pay for security contractors highlighted the need to “get on with it”.

“Rarely do you have a project that has such uniform support.

“There is no debate.

“I know that funding has been set aside for this in state budgets gone by and I am aware of the reality of construction contracts and the market being tight.

“But that’s no good reason to at least give an updated timeline and some certainty to the public that it’s still going to proceed.”

A private security guard centre) on patrol on Thursday night at the former Sea Life Aquarium site. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

In a statement from TfNSW, responding to questions about when the demolition and public space project would go ahead, a spokesman wrote that it was “currently investigating options to remove the structure”.

It also confirmed it was aware of illegal trespassing on the site and reminded trespassers “they are putting their own safety at risk”.

Vandals have damaged the Sea Life Aquarium at Manly.

The derelict interior of the Sea Life Aquarium at Manly.

“Safety is Transport’s number one priority and we have mitigation measures that are in place and are reviewed to prevent illegal access.

“Security patrols have been increased in response to recent illegal trespassing.”

TfNSW declined to provide details of what the security contract was costing.

For more information on Manly Cove West click here.