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Back to the Boardwalk

15/8/2018

Manly‘s iconic harbour pool and boardwalk were destroyed more than 40 years ago when Sydney was hit by one of the worst storms in recorded history.

Manly locals have never forgotten the much-loved swim spot. Finally, we're a step closer to getting it back.

Dee Why ferry and harbour pool. c1934

The Northern Beaches Deputy Mayor and Good For Manly President Candy Bingham has spent several years developing a masterplan for the entire West Promenade area.

The plan, put together by architect Maurice Patten, includes a boardwalk stretching from Manly Wharf to the former Sea Life Sanctuary; a huge calm-water swimming area with pontoons as well as a lap-swimming section; an environmental sea-grass area and a little penguin protected zone. On land there would be landscaping and a focus on art and culture, anchored by the existing Manly Art Gallery and Museum; as well as a future use for the aquarium site, vacated by the Sea Life Sanctuary earlier this year.

Now the State Government has come to the party with Manly MP James Griffin announcing a $100,000 heritage grant for the council to take the work further. This will include extensive community consultation, an updated plan and costings for the potential project.

“I’m so excited that this is moving forward,” Cr Bingham said. “There was such a gap when the boardwalk was destroyed, and it’s never really been filled.”

“Manly has always been famous for its ocean beaches, but a lot of people prefer to swim where it’s a bit more sheltered, and they know they are safe from sharks.

“As well the boardwalk would connect up the Federation Point area - where Sea Life Sanctuary was - which gets overlooked. We have the art gallery and cafes and restaurants in a wonderful location there. A boardwalk would make it easy for tourists, and locals, to spread out more and enjoy that part of Manly as well.“

Check out our photo gallery and history article here.

Maurice Patten's plan for new pool, boardwalk, landscaping and public art developed for Good For Manly.

7 Comments

Evelyn Shervington

21/8/2018 12:43:43 pm

I think that the idea of the boardwalk is very positive and would really enhance Manly. That beach is especially suitable for all the visitors who are not good swimmers and have young children.
I would be happy for the 'Aquarium' building to go as long as there were decent amenities and economically priced tea rooms provided.

Jennifer Zeller

29/8/2018 11:52:56 am

I am thrilled to hear this news, it can't come soon enough.
I think it would be a missed opportunity and I am sure it will be
welcomed by families with young children to have a safe place to swim.

Let's hope we don't have to wait years before we see this plan become into fruition!

Meg Morgan link

29/8/2018 02:39:00 pm

I am not sure about the Rehab Eco pool. I would rather see that space used for emenities for tying up tenders and dingies from the increasing number of yachts that moor off the excisting pool.
Why don't you have a competition? I am sure there would be lots of budding designers with great ideas.

Anna Alvsdotter

18/11/2020 02:26:27 pm

The plan looks lovely, especially with the proposed public art installations, but I think it would be a great shame to block out the existing sunset view out towards North Harbour and the Heads.
For those keen to provide a safe swimming environment, I'm surprised the current 100 meter wide netted swim area is never mentioned. I swim there regularly when the oceanside is too rough. It has plenty of room for lap swimming and family play.
A question regarding the proposed kayak access - would it be wide enough for dinghies from the anchored and moored boats?
All in all, I believe Manly already provides a plethora of high energy, loud and super busy places, eg East Esplanade and the ocean beach. The West Esplanade side currently provides a rare but much needed Zen space.
Manly is already attracting a large number of tourists from near and far, no need to throw tax money in that direction. Let's spend our tax money wisely.

Martyn Colebrook

18/11/2020 03:40:42 pm

The Manly environment is continually being improved. The cafe area around the car park and library is one good example of creating an interesting urban space. Manly is a busy place, especially in summer. It is difficult for locals to find a quiet spot away from the crowds although I appreciate the beauty and natural facilities should be shared. The area around the Wharf bars can be quite unpleasant at night. It is often rowdy and patrolled by less than pleasant 'bouncers' . Do we need really need more noise? I am sure the boardwalk was a fabulous place 40 years ago. Times change. There are plenty of attractions for all in other parts of Manly.
There is already a safe netted swimming area, perfect for families, on West Esplanade.
The penguins, who have more rights of habitation than destructive humans, do not deserve to have their habitat interfered with even further. I thought they were endangered?
Why spoil the wonderful view of the from the beach? I am sure the boardwalk would be designed to look attractive but it will destroy the view. Access to Federation Point and the art gallery will not be significantly improved. There is already a wide beach front promenade, for pedestrians and cyclists. By all means provide a separate cycle lane.
How will all these crowds from other parts of Sydney arrive? I understand the ferries are to be reduced in size, yet in summer there are long queues of people at Circular Quay, waiting to board the ferries to take them to the existing delights of Manly. Pity the people who live here trying to reach home, but as I said, we should share our lovely area with all. There are very few parking spaces so driving is not an option and the planet does not need any more carbon emitting cars on the streets.
A boat drop off/pick up point would be beneficial but in an all too frequent southerly (wind) this is not going to work along the
proposed boardwalk.
I like the idea of street art/sculpture.
I would like see more moorings (the environmentally friendly kind) for yachts, so they don't have to anchor and damage the sea bed. How about providing a berthing facility for dinghies and small craft? Perhaps the Aquatic enclosure could be used for that purpose as well as for the kayaks.
I personally don't want to see my tax money spent on the boardwalk idea. If there is money available how about upgrading the Corso into something with more of a Mediterranean feel? Civilised outdoor dining in the centre like in European cities for instance. By civilised I don't mean hamburgers and chicken outlets.
I would be very interested to hear other peoples opinions on this interesting but contentious proposal.

David Keir

13/1/2021 08:15:24 am

Are there any updates on this? No announcements or articles since 2018.

Jo chpman

14/1/2022 11:27:44 am

Great memories of the boardwalk, pool with slippery dip & the pontoon. Highlight of of the year a trip to Manly + ferry ride from the western suburbs of Sydney! Would be wonderful to see the boardwalk restored.

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