It's big but impressive. That's the general impression from a recent site inspection of the new Indoor Swimming Centre in Kenneth Road which is currently under construction. The tour included vantage points inside the site, where tonnes of earth have been extracted to build three pools, and where a crèche, gym, spa, sauna and onsite parking will be located.
Principal contractors FDC Construction and Fitout Pty Ltd are building the Manly Swim Centre which was designed by architect Tompkins MDA. The new Swim Centre, located next to LM Graham Reserve, will incorporate the existing outdoor swimming facilities. The new centre will feature: · A 25 metre, 8 lane heated lap pool with ramp entry · Spectator seating for 150 people · A program pool for exercise and rehabilitation with ramp entry · A fun children's play and leisure pool with a beach entry · A spa pool, sauna and steam room facilities · Administration offices · Gymnasium, group fitness and wellbeing rooms · A cafe and crèche · A separate community building in LM Graham Reserve, backing onto Kenneth Road, will contain change rooms, public toilets, a state of the art co-generation energy plant, bike storage and a bus shelter. · On-site parking for 54 cars including 4 accessible and 2 parent with pram spaces. Parking also available on Kenneth Road, and nearby streets. The Centre is expected to be completed and fully operational by June 2016.
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A trial of three solar pole lights are to be installed in Manly Lagoon Park shortly in an effort to improve public access after dark. Manly council will install three “smart” lights in the narrow park that runs between North Steyne and Pittwater Rd. The move was prompted by Cr Hugh Burns after locals complained that the park, which has no lighting, does not feel safe after dark. The smart solar-powered lights will have motion sensors, meaning they are usually dim, but become temporarily brighter when a pedestrian or cyclist gets close. They cost $3000 each and will be placed at three key points on the park pathway for a six months trial. Cr Burns said the trial would assess whether the lights were bright enough for park users, but subtle enough to avoid disturbing people living next door. If the trial is a success, the next stage would be installing 11 more lights, bringing the total cost up to $35,000. The lights, which have a simple, compact design, will be similar to ones used in Gasworks Reserve at Little Manly Point. Lagoon Park links two well-lit areas and is popular with cyclists, joggers and dog walkers as well as people taking a short cut home after dark. A Manly Councillor has been savaged on social media with his comment that people who can’t walk dogs themselves don’t deserve to own one. And it’s got legs, running on interstate and other online sites, and prompting mocking retorts such as; “You shouldn’t have children if you rely on childcare?” Liberal Cr Alan Le Surf made the comment during a council debate on new licensing policies for commercial dog walking in Manly. The discussion was prompted by Good For Manly Cr Candy Bingham’s call for a review of the policy, which banned commercial walkers from LM Graham Reserve, reduced their numbers and limited the number of dogs they could walk each day. It infuriated dog owners, who said the new policy was unfair and had been introduced without community consultation. Local vet Dr Beth McDonald said about 50% of households already have a dog, and that number is likely to increase as changes to strata laws make apartment buildings more pet friendly. She said studies have shown that pets are good for their owners’ wellbeing, especially in an ageing population where many people live on their own. And while most people walk their own animals as much as they can, many need professional walkers to fill in the gaps. And some, such as unwell, or poorly-sighted older people, could never cope on their own. Not enough dog walkers would mean more restless, barking dogs driving the neighbours crazy. In the end the councillors played ball, with a new park - Manly West in Balgowlah - to be considered as a new fully-fenced site. As well the council will make sure that local dog walkers are favoured over out-of-area businesses when license permits are given out. “It’s a good outcome,” Cr Bingham said. “I know the dog walkers loved LM Graham Reserve, because it was fully-fenced and very safe for dogs, but it was becoming over-used and there were problems with sports people and lots of dogs sharing the same space. “The reserve is still available for people to walk their own dogs and now we will have an additional fully-fenced area nearby.” The new policies will be reviewed in September next year. Image: Dr McDonald with her labrador Ned. She says exercise and socialisation are essential for dogs. |
AuthorCandy Bingham, Deputy Mayor & Manly Ward Councillor on Northern Beaches Council. Background in marketing, public relations and community engagement. Author of five business books. Former Lady Mayoress of Sydney. Aka Candy Tymson. ........................................
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