Manly Sea Life Aquarium: New images of the future for the abandoned harbourside site
Close to five years ago the Sea Life Aquarium closed its doors and became an ugly harbourside eyesore. New images have emerged showing the proposed future of the once popular site.
Manly
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New images have emerged of what the area around the derelict eyesore — that was once the Sea Life Aquarium on Manly Cove — will become once it is bulldozed.
The owner of the prime harbourside location, Transport for NSW, wants to tear down the dilapidated building that was abandoned nearly five years ago.
It wants to transform the site into waterfront public space at what is now called “Manly Cove West”, opening it up for future outdoor dining, seating and recreation options.
TfNSW says removing the aquarium building, which closed its doors in January 2018, will also “reconnect” the historic Swimmers Pavilion and other heritage buildings with the beach along West Esplanade.
The new artist’s impressions of the site come as preparation works for the demolition of the building have stepped up.
Five geotechnical boreholes will be drilled on either side of the building while survey work in and around the structure, and underneath the pavilion, will go ahead.
There will also be undersea surveys of the area to check marine habitats as the design of the new public area continues.
At the same time the government has installed a ‘Story Walk’ at the site to celebrate “Manly’s past, present and future”.
Several colourful panels have been hung on the building that help explain the history, and proposed future, of Manly Cove West.
State Liberal MP for Manly, and Environment Minister, James Griffin, urged locals to visit the Story Walk to gain a better understanding of the Aboriginal cultural significance and history of the spot.
“The Story Walk helps share the history of our area and explains the work that is underway with a series of signboards installed around the former Manly Sea Life building, Mr Griffin said.
“The signboards show images of Manly’s heritage, history, the environment and future plans for Manly Cove.”
A detailed design of Manly Cove West, and a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), are expected to go on public display early next year.
TfNSW has also just released the design and Review of Environmental Factors for the Manly Wharf 3 — opposite the Manly Wharf hotel — for public feedback.
It includes improved access for mobility impaired customers and those with prams, as well as increased shelter for commuters from wind, rain and sun.
For more information on the Manly Cove projects click here.
Those wanting to provide feedback and ideas on how TfNSW can recognise the historical importance at this site can email manlycove@transport.nsw.gov.au
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