Manly Sea Life Aquarium: Plan to bulldoze derelict building and return site to the public

The abandoned Sea Life Aquarium is an ugly eyesore on Manly Cove, but the NSW Government has released a plan to improve the site and return it to public use. Subscribe to see what it could soon look like.

The abandoned and derelict former Sea Life Aquarium building at Manly is a step closer to being torn down and the site used as waterfront public space.

As part of a NSW Government proposal the ugly site would be transformed and used for “recreation and outdoor dining options”.

The demolition of the aquarium, which has been at the western end of West Esplanade since the 1960s, would also better show off the beautiful heritage-listed swimmers pavilion and improve walking access along the edge of Manly Cove.

An artist’s impression of the proposed future site by its owners, Transport for NSW, shows people walking near the water’s edge on an expanded boardwalk with cafe umbrellas and seating behind them.

State Liberal MP for Manly, James Griffin, said on Wednesday that TfNSW was now asking for community feedback on the best way the vacant site could be used by the public.

The former tourist attraction closed in January 2018. Transport for NSW’s Maritime division had originally planned to call for tenders for the lease of the site to be taken over by private enterprise.

The fate of the Sea Life Aquarium at Manly, which has been closed since January 2018, is looking clearer. Picture: Manly Daily

On entrepreneur developed a plan to build a bar and music venue on the site.

At the same time Northern Beaches Council, as part of its “Manly West Esplanade Heritage Activation Plan”, recommended that the aquarium be demolished and the land become open public space.

Mr Griffin said getting rid of the aquarium was a rare opportunity to increase public space on Sydney Harbor.

“The community has so far overwhelmingly shared a view that the former Manly Sea Life building is not suitable and should be removed, returning the area to the community and expanding public waterfront access.

“I committed to delivering a great community outcome with the old Sea Life site. This project is planning to reunite the beautiful heritage buildings on the West Esplanade with the waterfront, while expanding the boardwalk with space for recreation and outdoor dining options,” Mr Griffin said.

The proposed demolition of the aquarium comes as TfNSW also seeks feedback on proposed improvements to Manly Wharf 3, now used by the My Fast Ferry service.

This upgrade includes improved access for mobility impaired customers and those with prams, as well as increased shelter for commuters from wind, rain and sun.

“The wharf upgrade is great news for customers and staff who will benefit from improved safety, more efficient boarding and disembarking and better pedestrian access,” Mr Griffin said.

“The proposed Manly Wharf 3 upgrade has been designed to seamlessly fit with surrounding buildings and landscape and will include a hydraulic platform with a fixed waiting area, customer seating, weather protection and gangways.”

Designs for the aquarium site and Wharf 3 both designs on display for public feedback and comment until 5pm Friday 28 January 2022 are n display for public feedback and comment until 5pm, January 28.

You can provide feedback at nswroads.work/manly-cove or by email: [e-mail]