Although many locals are concerned by the increased concentration of a large numbers of people at the wharf precinct, nonetheless the upgrade of existing facilities is considered overdue.

It is believed that the group, run by property industry investor Robert Magid, now has a shortlist of construction firms.  A hand-selected list of restaurateurs will be invited to submit expressions of interest to join the current tenants including Hugo's, Papi Chulo​ and the Bavarian restaurant.

Two new restaurants, 563 square metres and 548 sqm in size, with floor to ceiling views and outdoor dining will be built  above the existing Wharf Hotel and Papi Chulo establishments.

The Manly Independent Assessment Panel approved the development plans for the second-storey restaurants, in October 2015 in accordance with the original conditions of consent as approved by the Land & Environment Court of NSW in July 2013.

Additional modifications to the existing property include new passenger and operational lifts, joint lobby, extra storage and an additional private staircase. 

Background on Manly Wharf
Built in 1855 as a passenger terminal, Manly Wharf has undergone many changes.
The latest plan is the second transformation of the wharf by Mr Magid. 
In 2001, he got the green light to start a $12 million redevelopment of the wharf into an eating and shopping precinct. That plan, which also included a proposal for a 200-room, six-storey hotel, was knocked back by Manly Council.
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That revised plan led him to transform the site into an "emporium" of restaurants, cafes, shops and the current crop of bars.

Manly Council will seek to install noise analysing black boxes in Manly Cove resident’s living rooms to investigate what’s been described as “boom boom” music coming from Manly Wharf.

This comes in response to ongoing complaints from residents who live across from the wharf.

Manly Cove resident Roger James said he and fellow locals formed the Manly Cove Alliance and had received written complaints from 34 people on the issue.  “We have a lot of problems with noise late at night, more specifically the music with its  constant base beat,” he said.

According to Cr Cathy Griffin part of the problem is that the cove acts as an amplifier.  “It’s unique in its location because it juts out into the water,” she said. “It exacerbates the problem as the sound from the wharf refracts off the water and actually intensifies".

Council general manager Henry Wong said noise analysers generally remained in a home for more than 21 days and measured standard background noise as well as determining how many decibels above the norm an incident was.

Meantime, Mr Wong said residents should call council’s Night Owl Rangers to ask them to make a record of the noise from their homes.

Obviously the summer period when crowds at the Wharf's various restaurants are larger, and venues are busier more nights of the week, is the time when the noise issue can be  greater. Site lessees of Manly Wharf, TMG Developments property manager Chris Coore , said he took noise complaints seriously. 

Residents are awaiting advice from the Council when the noise analysing boxes will be installed.

It was disappointing that at its December meeting  Manly Council rejected outright  the idea of perusing a feasibility plan to have a Harbour Pool re-created in Manly Cove West.

However the argument that "Maritime, who are the landowner, have totally rejected the plan" is completely inaccurate (See attached letter below)

On May 3, Council received a letter from Roads & Maritime Services that not only set out what would need to be done as part of a feasibility plan for  the idea but also stated "Roads and Maritime .... will consider any formal proposal from Manly Council to re-establish a boardwalk and pool".

The new-look pool and boardwalk concept plan  is an idea that has been well-researched by Good For Manly with a professionally designed eco-friendly pool, rather than the massive structures of the  'Wonder Pool' of days gone-by.  We believe it is an idea that is worthy of proper investigation and consideration rather than a knee-jerk refusal.

What do you think?

Update ... 24/10/12
Have just heard that The Commissioner who heard the matter today regarding the Manly Wharf development has terminated the conference and directed the appeal to a full hearing in the Land & Environment Court.  the hearing is expected to be listed in December.

It's one of Manly's most iconic and environmentally sensitive sites, but despite rejection by Manly's Independent Assessment Panel (MIAP) plans by TMG Developments to add another storey with four restaurants, 1,000 patrons and more shops to Manly Wharf, will be heard at an appeal hearing tomorrow (Wednesday 24/10/12) at the wharf at 9.30am. Locals & Council will strongly oppose the appeal.  You can get a full background on this story by clicking on "Manly Wharf" under our blog categories.

__Manly's Independent Assessment Panel (MIAP) has rejected the plans by TMG Developments to add a further four restaurants, and shops, to Manly Wharf.

Local residents have fought long and hard against the proposal which would have seen a further 1,000 people using facilities on the site.

The $6.97 million plan, which was recommend by Council staff, was seeking a $5.379 million "community contribution" from Council and the development was not required to provide any additional parking.  Fortunately MIAP had the sense to reject the proposal.  Will TMG take it to the Land & Environment Court next?

SEE THE BOTTOM ON THIS BLOG  FOR A COPY OF THE DECISION FROM MIAP


UPDATE:  25/1/12
  TMG Developments have changed the roof design of their proposal to add another floor to a section of Manly Wharf - from a saw-toothed effect to a flat roof.

Although the design of a building is always important, it's not the issue here.  What locals are really concerned about is another 1,000 people at four additional restaurants in what is already a very confined space.  (The Police have already expressed concerns on how they would manage it)

This proposal would also add more noise,  possible anti-social behaviour and more litter to an environmentally sensitive area.

UPDATE:  5/1/12
MIAP decision delayed until February 2012.
The Manly Independent Assessment Panel (MIAP) delayed its decision regarding the DA proposal for Manly Wharf until February following the receipt of  late information which needed to be reviewed.

UPDATE:  14/11/2011
Minister Waives Master Plan requirement

Richard Hewitt from Fairlight precinct reports that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard, has waived the requirement for a master plan for development at Manly Wharf Hotel and Restaurant, at East Esplanade on the basis "the proposed development will affect only a small proportion of the site".

As Richard points out – the DA proposal adds a whole extra storey to one third of the site; adds 1,100 more patrons on the wharf until 1am in an area the Police Commander can't police, and is adjacent to a major little penguin nesting site. 

This DA is likely to go to MIAP in December.

Do you think the Minister should have waived the master plan requirement?  What do you think of the proposal to add a further four restaurants to the wharf area?

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Have you seen the new proposal for Manly Wharf? 
It includes an extra level on the eastern side to accommodate a further four restaurants.  The current restaurants and hotel are fantastic and are all well run - do we honestly need another four  with 1,000 plus patrons on this already confined site?

What do you think?
(If you have concerns a local protest rally is planned for Sunday 7 August @ 2pm at the Wharf. Organiser: Angelika Treichler 9976-2176 or 0431 890 678 )   See Events section for photos from the Rally