Manly Wharf: Proposal to make tourist hub safer, more attractive
Sydney’s historic Manly Wharf is set for a $1m safety and cosmetic upgrade as part of a major revamp of the famous tourist and commuter hub. Here’s what is on the cards.
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Sydney’s historic Manly Wharf is set for a $1m safety and cosmetic upgrade as part of a major revamp of the famous tourist and commuter hub.
The wharf’s new owners want to replace the “climbable” steel fencing around the popular seaside precinct with more aesthetic balustrades featuring glass screens.
Artemus Group, which last year bought the leasehold to the wharf for $80m — and the adjacent Wharf Bar for $30m — also wants to extend the outside deck area to add a kids’ play area at the recently rebranded bar, now called Felons.
The new $1m development application, lodged with the Northern Beaches Council, comes less than two months after Artemus lodged $13m plans to transform the old Aldi supermarket into a microbrewery.
The latest application reveals Artemus is “proposing the replacement of unsafe and climbable balustrades around the perimeter of Manly Wharf with glass balustrades”.
“Over the years there have been safety incidents involving people falling or jumping from Manly Wharf, either accidentally or because of intentional and unsafe behaviour,” a statement of environmental effects says.
“The existing balustrades do not meet (Building Code of Australia) standards, particularly the horizontal rails between balustrades which allow climbing.
“The proposed glass balustrades are 1.2m high when retracted and have a maximum height of 1.8m when extended to full height.
“The movement of the balustrades is mechanically assisted and can be raised or lowered by staff only.
“(They) will improve comfort and safety, sheltering the outdoor dining and seating areas, decks and walkways from high winds and cold temperatures.”
Plans also include the removal of timber and concrete bench seats around the water’s edge, as well as the removal of timber balustrades between the public promenade and the outdoor seating areas of The Bavarian and Felons.
The proposed children’s play area, which documents state will make the pub “more inclusive and family-friendly”, will have a “nautical theme” and be surrounded by pygmy date palms.
When Artemus took over the Manly Wharf leasehold, its co-founder, Adam Flaskas, said it was looking forward to “breathing new life” into the site.
He has vowed to make the area more inviting for locals, commuters and tourists by “revitalising the waterfront precinct into a premium hospitality destination, creating a thriving community and cultural hub for kids and families to grown-ups and everything in between”.
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