Market Lane Live: Pop-up outdoor bar granted three more years and a makeover

A pop-up outdoor bar in Manly offering beer, cocktails, food and live music will be allowed to operate for three more years — but not everyone is happy.

An artist's impression of the 'Market Lane Live" pop-up outdoor bar in Manly given approval by the Northern Beaches Local independent Planning Panel. Picture: SARM Architects

A pop-up outdoor bar in a northern beaches’ backstreet — that started with seating for just 12 about 18 months ago — has been given approval to operate for another three years.

‘Market Lane Live’ will be refurbished and able to accommodate up to 120 patrons in the public square next to Manly Library after the extension was approved by an independent planning body.

But the man behind the concept, Matt Clifton, a prominent Manly hospitality operator with three indoor venues — InSitu, The Cumberland and Donny’s Bar — rejected claims by critics that the concept was privatising a public asset.

An artist's impression of the 'Market Lane Live" pop-up outdoor bar in Manly given approval by the Northern Beaches Local Independent Planning Panel. Picture: SARM Architects

Those opposed to the outdoor dining and bar venue also lodged submissions with Northern Beaches Council that included issues with noise, waste removal and deliveries to nearby businesses being blocked.

Mr Clifton, chair of the not-for-profit Experience Manly tourism group, said the concept was developed to kickstart the local economy after the drastic financial effects of Covid lockdowns.

It is a collaboration of several Manly eateries to help enliven Manly’s CBD, laneways and pedestrian areas.

An artist's impression of the 'Market Lane Live" pop-up outdoor bar which its operators say will enhance the public space near Manly Library. Picture: SARM Architects. Picture: SARM Architects

Under the banner Market Lane Live, the venue has a portable bar, live music and the public can order food from their tables, via a QR code, from a number of restaurants and bars in Manly. The food is delivered direct to people at their table.

Charlotte Rimmer, president of the Manly Business Chamber, said last year the “activation” had positively transformed the area in Market La.

Mr Clifton said on Monday that the intention of the new DA was to upgrade the facilities, lighting, furniture, waste management and add a custom-made “Airstream” retro caravan-style bar on the site.

An artist's impression of the 'Market Lane Live" pop-up outdoor bar in Manly that will have 100 seats and space for 20 more standing patrons. Picture: SARM Architects

“Obviously it’s looking a little tired now, but with the approval, we can get stuck in to upgrading everything for the coming summer.

“We didn’t set out to cannibalise anyone else’s business.

“It is all about bringing people back in a safe environment and supporting local businesses.

“At the beginning there were only two tables of six and now there’ll be 100 seats.”

Mr Clifton said a survey undertaken for the DA showed that between 7.30am and 2pm, 1200 people use the space when it’s not trading.

Market Lane Live pictured on October 7, 2021. Picture: Supplied

“They sit in there, have a cup of coffee, have breakfast or lunch meetings, use their laptops in the sun.

“Before Market Lane Live that space was not an attractive place to be”.

Market Lane Live has changed the times when music can be played — Monday to Friday until 6pm so as not to interrupt neighbouring businesses.

Approval by the Northern Beaches Local independent Planning Panel last week allowed the venue to operate Monday to Thursday (4pm-10pm), Friday (4pm-10:30pm), Saturday (12pm-10:30pm) and Sunday (12pm-10pm).

Spanish Sunsets in Market Lane at Manly was part of Taste of the Beaches 2022 foodie festival. Picture: Northern Beaches Council

Mr Clifton said he disagreed with claims the concept was the privatisation of a public space.

“We put infrastructure in there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it’s open to everybody.

“When we’re not trading, it’s free seating for all the surrounding businesses and my cost.”

Neighbouring resident John Mann wrote in his submission that he was “concerned about the handing over of this much loved family friendly space to a private operator”.

Matt Clifton at Market Lane Live in December, 2020 when it just had seating for 12 people. Picture: Adam Yip

“This was a great urban park space for young kids to safely play, for people to enjoy

food and drinks without having to purchase alcohol.”

In her submission Whistler St resident Ashleigh Hooker wrote that she was concerned about

late night music and “noise from patrons leaving the area who have

consumed a lot of alcohol.

“Given it is an outdoor venue, noise from music isn’t dampened down by the walls/roof.”