North Manly Bowling Club: ‘Exciting new recreational activity’ set for abandoned site
Authorities confirm that an “exciting new recreational activity” will replace an abandoned bowling club on the northern beaches.
Manly
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An “exciting new recreational activity” on the site of a derelict bowling club is on the way, according to local authorities.
Northern Beaches Council has confirmed it has received official approaches from organisations wanting to set up sporting or recreation facilities where the abandoned former North Manly Bowling Club now stands.
The Manly Daily reported in August last year that the council had a wishlist of five prospective activities that could be accommodated on the one-hectare site including a combined BMX, skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding facility.
Other uses the council favours for the space include tennis courts, small-sided synthetic soccer courts, indoor basketball or gymnastics facilities.
The-once popular club abruptly closed its doors to members and guests more than three years ago — in August 31, 2018 — and has been boarded up ever since.
On the edge of busy Nolans reserve, it has been the target of vandals and late night outdoor drinkers.
In February this year, Northern Beaches Council, which owns the land, invited expressions of interest (EOI) from potential private partners to operate a “suitable recreation use”. The deadline for the EOIs was May.
The regeneration of the site is part of a plan by the council to turn the T-junction of Kentwell and Pittwater roads into a sporting and community hub.
Across the road from the bowling club are squash, tennis and futsal courts, part of the council’s Warringah Recreation Centre, where Warringah Golf Club wants to build its new $6m community clubhouse.
The two-storey club house would sit alongside some of the existing public sporting facilities.
The old bowling club, which had been taken over by Manly Leagues Club, closed its doors in August 2018 after its management said it did not want to renew the lease due to uncertainty over a council proposal — which did not eventuate — to allow private sporting facility developers to control the area.
On Monday council chief executive officer Ray Brownlee confirmed that its Evaluation Committee was working through seven submissions received in the recent Expressions of Interest tender for future uses of the bowling club site.
The tenders all relate to the five uses listed by the council.
Mr Brownlee said the tenders would be short-listed and “presented to the elected council in due course.
“We look forward to welcoming an exciting new recreational activity to the site once the process is complete,” Mr Brownlee said.
The CEO also conformed that the future Warringah Golf Club building was currently planned to be built on the north side of Kentwell Road on the current Warringah Recreation Centre site.
“The Warringah Golf Club is actively working towards its exciting new community clubhouse, and we know they are looking forward to delivering a great outcome for the community,” Mr Brownlee said.
A development application for club house has not yet been lodged.
The golf club has already put its current club house and car park, on nearby Condamine Street, up for sale.
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