Town Hall Feasibility Result

23/05/25 UPDATE: Should the Council lease the Town Hall to an entertainment provider? This is a massively popular idea in the local community.  But there are several problems, including the large number of council staff currently based in the building. Watch this space.

The Northern Beaches Council recently commissioned a comprehensive feasibility study regarding the potential conversion of Manly Town Hall into a Multi-Use Performance and Exhibition Space Centre. The study's findings, released recently, found that the community-led proposal was not financially viable.

​The proposed plan outlined a vision for a versatile space, including a flexible 350-seat performance area, a 100-seat theatre, and an 80-seat cinema. However, according to Councillor Candy Bingham, who spearheaded the community-led proposal, the feasibility study revealed significant challenges. 

"I was very impressed with how thorough the report was," stated Councillor Bingham. "It covered every aspect, from assessing the suitability of the building to considering heritage concerns, audience reach, potential programming, and the financial risks and opportunities associated with the conversion."

The feasibility study also examined cost estimates and design layouts, revealing that the proposal would require substantial financial support, annually from the Council to operate successfully.

"The plan simply was not viable," remarked Councillor Bingham. "The Council would be facing a significant and unacceptable financial burden to convert and operate such a facility."

The Manly Town Hall will continue to operate as one of the busiest over-the-counter Customer Service Centres for the Northern Beaches Council. It accommodates approximately 100 staff members representing various departments.

A copy of the feasibility study, minus any commercial in confidence material, is can be viewed here.