Royal Far West, Manly Beach: Demolition job soon to start to make way for $107 million apartment development

A huge demolition job is set to start opposite an iconic beach to make way for a $107m luxury apartment redevelopment at a historic Sydney site.

An artist's impression of part of the Royal Far West's Aurora apartments redevelopment at Manly Beach. Picture: Supplied

Demolition of a large section of the historic Royal Far West complex opposite Manly Beach is set to start within weeks.

The health charity that supports children from rural and regional NSW has planning permission to bulldoze part of its seaside campus and replace it with eight- and five-storey apartment blocks.

Construction giant Multiplex, which has partnered with the RFW to build the 58 “Aurora” luxury units, confirmed that it had already started early site works.

“(Manly) residents can expect demolition to commence in April,” a spokesman revealed on Tuesday.

Work to bulldoze part of the Royal Far West complex, pictured here on Tuesday, is set to begin in April. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

Most of the units will be offered to the public on 99-year leaseholds to help fund the ongoing operations of the charity, which has been helping country kids, and supporting their families, with health and developmental problems for close to 100 years.

As part of what is has called “RFW Neighbourhood”, the not-for-profit RFW will also provide space for shops, cafes and offices.

There will also be a large public outdoor plaza near the corner of Wentworth St and South Steyne.

An artist's impression of part of the Royal Far West's Aurora apartments redevelopment at Manly Beach. The charity is offering 99-year leaseholds to units to help fund its ongoing work. Picture: Supplied

An artist's impression of part of the Royal Far West's Aurora apartments redevelopment, opposite Manly Beach. Picture: Supplied

Heritage-listed Drummond House, on Wentworth St, will be upgraded to better accommodate visiting RFW clients and children and continue to “serve as quality guesthouse accommodation in Manly”.

Plans, originally drawn up in 2013, included a 165-room hotel but they were dropped in favour of increasing the number of apartments to 58.

RFW has previously confirmed it was not selling any portion of the site, but the red-brick buildings at the front of the complex would be bulldozed.

An artist's impression of the redevelopment of the Royal Far West complex, seen from Wentworth St. Picture: Supplied

The five-storey apartment block will front the southern end of Manly Beach with an eight-storey building, with five levels of apartments and three floor of commercial/retail space, behind it.

Award-winning Australia architect Glenn Murcutt, who grew up in Manly, has worked with architect Angelo Candalepas, on the designs.

Its Board Chairwoman, Joan Treweeke, said “The development will enable the charity to increase its generous work for country kids in need, as well as future-proof its service, for the next 100 years.”

Queen Elizabeth visiting the Royal Far West childrens' home at Manly in May 1970. She received a bouquet of flowers from Christine Healey, from Balladoran. Picture: Supplied

Multiplex’s NSW regional managing director, David Ghannoum, said it was partnering with RFW to deliver the development “for the charity, for purchasers and the community.

“As a significant member of Manly’s community, we understand RFW are cautious custodians of this important beachfront site and we’re grateful they’ve put their trust in us. We have an unwavering commitment to delivering a beautiful quality outcome for the myriad of stakeholders behind this landmark project.”