Manly, Victoria Pde: Changes to luxe apartment redevelopment get the go-ahead

Plans for a luxe 7-storey block of flats in the heart of Manly — which critics say will ‘tower over’ its neighbours — have been decided on. See what it means for neighbours.

An artist's impression for a 7-storey block of shop-top units, incorporating a heritage-list ed 2-storey block of flats, which has been given planning approval for 9-11 Victoria Pde, Manly. Picture: Platform Architects

New details have emerged of changes to a luxe new shop-top apartment block to go up in the heart of the Manly CBD that was originally given the go-ahead eight years ago.

Developers have successfully applied to planning officials to make changes to the original development application for the 13 apartments to be built at 9-11 Victoria Pde.

The original DA was lodged with the former Manly Council in 2013 and given development consent by the Land and Environment Court in 2015.

As well as the new building to go on the site of a now demolished to-storey house, the development incorporates a heritage listed small block of flats in its design.

Changes included the removal of a roof top terrace and the introduction of curved front balconies, rather than being squared off.

An artist's impression for a 7-storey block of shop-top units, incorporating a heritage-listed 2-storey block of flats, which has been given planning approval for 9-11 Victoria Pde, Manly. Picture: Platform Architects

The number of apartments has dropped from 15 to 13 and the entrance to the four commercial and retail premises on the ground floor would now be from a passageway at the side of the building.

Windows on the northern-eastern side of the building will be bigger while some of the external finishes and materials have been changed.

The heritage-listed block of flats, on Friday, which will be incorporated into the development at 9-11 Victoria Pde, Manly Picture: Jim O'Rourke

The DA changes, which were the subject of a dozen public submissions opposed to the project, were just approved by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel.

Some locals living in neighbouring unit blocks were concerned their privacy would be affected

Others complained that due to its size, the block would “tower over the immediately neighbouring properties” and have a negative impact on the “overall aesthetic of Manly”.

A 2-storey house (left) was demolished to make way for the new apartment development. Picture: Google Maps

There were also concerns about a reduction in underground carparking spaces.

But Maria Portale, the owner of the nearby Vini’s Cafe told the council that he supported the new apartment block because it would “activate the streetscape and add value to our business by bringing more potential patrons into the area”.

“In my opinion the proposed development is well-designed, appropriate for the location and will contribute positively to the area,” Ms Portale wrote.