Manly Sea Life aquarium: Minister steps in to speed up demolition of dangerous Harbour site

‘It’s got to go’: A NSW Government minister has dramatically stepped in to speed up the delayed demolition of an abandoned, and now ‘dangerous’, former Harbourside tourist attraction.

Graffiti vandalism and boarded up windows and doors at the former Sea Life Aquarium building in Manly Cove, on Tuesday. NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has said she has called on officials in her department, which owns the site, to “expedite” its demolition. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

A senior NSW Government Minister has dramatically stepped in to speed up the delayed demolition of the “dangerous” and dilapidated abandoned Sea Life Aquarium building in Manly.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen has ordered Transport for NSW Officials to “expedite removal works” of the former tourist attraction that has became the target of vandals and trespassers since it closed six years ago.

Frustrated locals, including management of the Boathouse eatery at the historic Manly Pavilion — hidden by the aquarium eyesore — in Manly Cove, are becoming increasingly frustrated that the old aquarium has not been bulldozed.

Graffiti vandalism on the top level of the former Sea Life Aquarium building in Manly Cove, Manly, on Tuesday. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

This was despite repeated assurances from TfNSW, which owns the site, that it would be returned to waterfront public open space.

With the building demolished, TfNSW has plans to expand the existing promenade at the end of the West Esplanade and open it up for outdoor dining, seating and recreation uses.

But the old aquarium has become a constant target for graffiti vandals and so-called “urban explorers” releasing videos, trespassing from inside the building, on Tik Tok. 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.

Views of the historic heritage-listed Manly Pavilion are blocked by the former Sea Life Aquarium building in Manly Cove. Picture: Manly Cove

TfNSW was even forced to paying for private security guards to combat the vandals.

In December last year TFNSW indicated that preliminary work, which included “emergency work to secure the site” would occur on December 20.

It was understood that temporary fencing, with shade cloth mesh, would be going up around the site in ate Decemnbet, but it did not happen.

“This derelict building is an eyesore and dangerous,” Ms Haylen told the Manly Daily on Tuesday.

“It’s got to go.

“I’ve asked Transport to expedite removal works so we can finally make some progress in reviving this corner of our iconic harbour.”

An artist's impression of the new waterfront space created when the aquarium building is removed. Picture: NSW Government

The boarded-up former Sea Life Aquarium building in Manly Cove. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

TfNSW conformed on Tuesday that the site posed a safety risk due to trespassers.

“ In response to safety concerns, Transport for NSW is prioritising the removal of the former Sea Life Aquarium building in the Manly West Esplanade precinct,” it said in a statement.

“Transport is currently in the procurement phase for this removal work, and plan to provide an update on timelines to the community in the coming weeks. This phase of the project will take around three months to complete.

“While this work takes place, we plan to start engagement with stakeholders and the community on the revitalisation of the site.”

Before: The former Sea Life Aquarium (round building) at Manly Cove as it is now. Picture: NSW Government

An artist's impression of what the site will look like after the aquarium building is demolished. Picture: NSW Government

A Project Infoline is available on 1800 770 973 or by emailing [e-mail]

For more information click here.