Revamp for ‘the office’ part of plan for Manly ‘tourist Mecca’

THE ‘gateway to the northern beaches’ is set for a makeover ‘worth millions of dollars’ as part of a plan to upgrade East Esplanade, with councillors also planning vision for ‘tourist Mecca’.

Plans have been revealed for the area of Manly known as “the office.”

THE “gateway to the northern beaches” is set for a makeover “worth millions of dollars” as part of a plan to upgrade East Esplanade.

Emergency works will be undertaken due to wear and tear and storm damage with $200,000 set aside to repair Manly’s waterfront.

Mayor Michael Regan, who placed the plan on public exhibition at the most recent council meeting, hoped to get community feedback before a final plan was developed in late December.

The plan could bring ‘millions of dollars’ to the area.

He said that plan could see “potentially millions of dollars” pumped into the area.

“East Esplanade forms part of the iconic Manly gateway to the Northern Beaches with its landscaped setting, open grassed areas and convenient location,” Mr Regan said. “In fact, locals often refer to it as ‘The Office’ because of its popularity as a meeting place.”

Liberal Cr Pat Daley said he and his fellow Manly ward councillors, Candy Bingham and Sarah Grattan, were attempting to address a backlog of urgent works in Manly while preparing for more long-term upgrades.

Most recently he put together a motion to upgrade the “tired and dirty” Corso and CBD to bring it in line with international tourism meccas such as Cannes in France. As part of that, the council will form a long term vision for East Esplanade and the ferry wharf.

Pat Daley is involved in the work

NMayor Michael Regan and Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham are part of the plan

“There is going to be demand on budgets and funding,” he said. “But there is a budget for this under the new council and all councillors are aware that Manly is the gateway to the entire northern beaches.

“We have wide support among all councillors to make sure this area is being brought up to standard as quickly as possible.”

Urgent works planned include upgraded curbing to ease run off; new sandstone edging along the promenade to retain the grass area and raised walkways to protect exposed roots of two popular fig trees. Work would also be undertaken to enhance the Broken Column.

Plans have been revealed for the area of Manly known as “the office.”

Cr Regan said: “Storms and other weather events have reduced the amenity of East Esplanade, eroding grassed areas.

“There will be better protection of trees, improved recreation areas and historic elements in the park enhanced.”

The project would include toilet upgrades, picnic areas, ramp access to the beach. It would also include upgraded seating and walkways.

Deputy mayor and Manly ward councillor Candy Bingham said the upgrades had been a long time coming.

East Esplanade looking toward the Manly Ferry Wharf today. Picture: Adam Yip.

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“The main thing is that the masterplan maintains the historic feel of East Esplanade while upgrading the facilities and protecting the trees and the grass that everyone loves so much,” she said.

“The feedback that I have been getting is that people are delighted with the look and feel the council landscape artists have come up with.”

The council was unable to confirm the total cost of the project.