Manly Sea Life aquarium: Work begins to transform abandoned Harbour tourist site
The delayed demolition of an abandoned, ugly and ‘dangerous’, former harbourside tourist attraction has started more than six years after it closed its doors.
Manly
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Work has finally started to pull down a former famous Sydney Harbour tourist attraction that had became a dangerous blot on the city’s landscape.
Contractors are now at the dilapidated Manly Sea Life Aquarium building to prepare for its demolition — more than six years after it closed its doors.
When the structure, on prime waterfront land owned by Transport for NSW in Manly Cove, is removed, the site will be returned to public open space.
TfNSW has also confirmed it has significantly altered its plans for the new expanded promenade at the site.
It will retain the aquarium’s “circular footprint” to provide even more room for potential outdoor dining, seating and community uses.
Artist’s impressions now in circulation show a “straight line” promenade where the aquarium is now.
Since it closed in early 2018, the old aquarium became a constant target for graffiti vandals and so-called “urban explorers” releasing videos, from inside the building, on TikTok.
Worried locals had also been complaining to Liberal State MP for Manly James Griffin, who had been lobbying for the building to be removed, about anti-social behaviour and the dangers faced by people climbing onto its roof for late night drinks’ parties.
TfNSW was even forced to paying for private security guards to combat the vandals, but in March Transport Minister Jo Haylen ordered officials to “expedite removal works”.
Ms Haylen described the derelict building as an “eyesore and dangerous”.
“It’s got to go,” the Minister said.
Mr Griffin welcomed the altered plans to keep the circular part of the promenade, which he said would provide even more open space and reduce demolition and reconstruction costs.
“This (demolition) is unique and rare,” he said.
“It’s Sydney harbourfront land and here we are, creating public open space on one of the most iconic and beautiful harbours in the world.
“People generally want their elected officials to get on with the job, so, from a personal perspective, I’m really proud the demolition is underway.
“After years of working to get this underway, its terrific to see it happening. The outcome will be a great place for people to enjoy the view, swim and make use of a new community space.”
Demolition work will take about four months to complete, weather permitting.
The nearby Manly Pavilion restaurant and bar will remain open, but the harbourside Federation Walk will be closed.
A Project Infoline is available on 1800 770 973 or by emailing manlycove@transport.nsw.gov.au
For more information, click here.
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