Manly Sea Life Aquarium: Push to transform derelict building into surfing history museum

A last minute push is on to save the derelict Sea Life Aquarium on Manly Cove from the wreckers ball and, instead, turn it into a surfing history museum. See the photo

A last dash bid is on to save an abandoned Sydney tourist attraction from demolition and, instead, transform it into an Australian surfing museum.

Authorities have proposed that the derelict Sea Life Sanctuary aquarium on Manly Cove be bulldozed and the NSW Government-owned site be returned as public waterfront space.

But a local group of surfing history devotees has been lobbying the owners — Transport for NSW — to allow them to turn the building, which has been empty since January 2018, into the Museum of Australian Surfing Heritage.

An artist's impression of the one-storey proposed Museum of Australian Surfing Heritage on the site of the abandoned Sealife Aquarium in Manly Cove. Picture: Supplied

In December the government invited public submissions on its proposal to remove the aquarium and use the site for “recreation and outdoor dining options”. Submissions closed on January 28.

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

State MP for Manly James Griffin said in December that locals “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”.

But Manly businessman Brian Dunphy, who helped set up Museum of Australian Surfing Heritage Ltd (MASH), a public company, said it had lodged a submission for the building to be retained.

With the deadline for submissions now passed, Mr Dunphy is seeking support from locals for the museum plan. MASH had previously suggested other locations for the museum including the Manly Art Gallery on West Esplanade and the old Manly Town Hall.

“We propose to reduce the aquarium to one-storey. That way, the concerns of opening the view of the Pavilion would be answered.”

The final fate of the Sea Life Aquarium at Manly, which has been closed for four years, has still not been decided. Picture: Manly Daily

In its business plan, MASH suggested the museum would not only highlight the history of Australian surfing, but hold temporary and permanent exhibitions dedicated to, for example, surf fashion; Australia female surfers; surfboard art and; surfboard shapers and manufacturers.

Vandals have regularly damaged the Sea Life Aquarium at Manly, which has been closed for four years. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

“As well as an entry fee, we would also have virtual reality technology for patrons to generate income.

“What a drawcard for Manly.”

The logo of the proposed Museum of Australian Surfing Heritage that supporters want built on the site of the abandoned Sea Life Aquarium in Manly Cove. Picture: Supplied

Mr Dunphy said it “never ceases to amaze people that Sydney does not have a surf museum”.

“It was in 1912 that Tommy Walker rode a surfboard at the Freshwater Surf Carnival, two years before the Duke also rode a surfboard at Freshwater Beach. It was followed up by Midget Farrelly winning the first world championship at North Steyne in 1964.

“ Since then, there have been a further seven world champions from the northern beaches who have won a total of 15 titles between them. “

Transport for NSW said removing the former aquarium building would enhance the Manly West Esplanade precinct and reconnect the Pavilion and heritage buildings with the

beach, as well as allowing the boardwalk to be opened up for outdoor dining and recreation.

A spokesman said it recognised the importance of creating a place which respects the local cultural heritage and “creates a prominent waterfront location in Manly”.

“We would like to thank the community for their submissions about the proposed upgrades at Manly Cove and the strong community support for our current plans.

“Transport for NSW is currently considering all feedback received from the community and stakeholders during the consultation period and is considering any

potential changes to the proposals, while further investigations continue to support the development of an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The community will have an opportunity to provide further feedback on the Environmental Impact Assessment, when it is put for public display, expected to be in mid-2022.”