Northern Beaches Council calls for public opinion on Little Manly revamp

Little Manly Beach is set to have a revamp — and there is a notable change to last year’s original proposal plan.

The proposed boardwalk at Little Manly has been scrapped.

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Little Manly Beach is set to have a revamp — and Northern Beaches Council wants the public to get involved.

A draft landscape masterplan for the popular beach and its adjoining reserves is under consideration but it does not include a timber boardwalk proposed by the council last year.

Plans for the boardwalk were dropped after a lack of community support.

An artist's impression of the proposed boardwalk at Little Manly.

There were concerns it would detract from the natural appearance of the beach.

People preferred the development of a landscape masterplan and an overhaul of facilities.

The council wants to improve amenities and pedestrian access to the beach, which is often voted in the top 10 places to picnic in Sydney.

Scoping documents released by the council suggest changes to improve safety along nearby Stuart St and Craig Ave and to encourage beachgoers to use Stuart St to get to the reserve.

In 2017, Northern Beaches Council planned to create a boardwalk over the sand in front of homes, dividing the park. Pictured is the boardwalk leading to the park and beach at Little Manly. Picture: Troy Snook.

Council proposes to relocate the existing playground and replace it with a “nature play area”.

The kiosk and the toilets and changing rooms may be upgraded.

People may also be able to use the top of the building for sightseeing.

Mayor Michael Regan said the masterplan was designed to “deliver a safe, vibrant and interconnected space”.

“We are keen to work closely with the community to prepare a landscape masterplan for Little Manly Beach Reserve and Point that maximises community benefit,” he said.

“The idea is to engage the community to fully guide council on developing a long-term strategy to enhance the reserve and point for the community now, and into the future, as further funding becomes available.”

A public drop-in session at the beach is scheduled for today, from 10am to noon.

Log on to yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au to make a submission.