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Winning Tenders Announced Whistler Street & Oval Car Park

13/4/2016

Manly Council voted last night in closed session to proceed with the Oval Car Park and the 99 year lease of the Whistler Street site. The plan for Whistler Street involved the total site being redeveloped for retail, commercial, apartments and some library and community space.

What do you think?

Built Development Group & Athas Holdings (local Chris Athas already owns a number of successful retail & commercial properties in Manly) were the successful tenderer.

All has been done with great haste just 10 weeks before expected announcement of council amalgamations.
No opportunity for Councillors, or the public, to provide comment until the Development Application is lodged.

More details to come .....

Meanwhile the Oval Car Park tender was awarded to Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure for $27,733,747.

62 Comments

Katrina Cowan

13/4/2016 05:32:12 pm

Saddest day ever. The lack of transparency is amazing. How can they be allowed to do this. Let's sue them!!!

peter grennan

13/4/2016 05:38:02 pm

Dear Candy, I simply could not type my comments I am so angry. Manly Daily do not publish my letters,even though they are very moderate, I just wish someone would lay some of the responsibility for this on Mike Baird's shoulders. As the local member he has indirectly facilitated this development and should be publicly condemned for his actions (or lack of).
I'm 67 y.o and can't remember when a local issue angered me so much.

Peter Monckton

13/4/2016 05:41:54 pm

Thanks Candy,
Another significant public project never referred to the Public Domains Committee for comment.
A very sad reflection on Councils sustained lack of consultation on major projects and closed door/fait accompli practices that produce public hostility and poor outcome.
Peter

Michelle

13/4/2016 05:45:35 pm

Having just received the standard "generic" response from Mike Baird's office to my complaint email, and seeing this news really highlights to me that us as residents and rate payers we have no say at all. Only suggestion I have now is to distribute some brochures begging people NOT to vote for any liberal, so that we make it known we are not happy with said liberals!. This may be the only way they will take notice because frankly they are listening... and I am normally a liberal voter!> Nothing is as sad as the day we lose faith in the people elected by us to represent US the people!> Truly unbelievable!

Linda

13/4/2016 05:46:35 pm

What a sad sad day. Goodbye Manly village as we know and love you. Greed and corruption wins again!!

Julie Bakalor

13/4/2016 05:59:05 pm

Oh, dear, Candy, after all your hard work! This is called democracy? What a disaster. I guess we can hope for a miracle.....

Jonathan Westley

13/4/2016 06:03:30 pm

The fly-through is rubbish, the entire car park is about as credible as the back of an envelope.

Meg Morgan

13/4/2016 06:08:02 pm

Are either of these developers on the list of undisclosed donations to the state Liberal Party? I was one of many that waited outside the council chambers to attend the unannounced extraordinary council meeting, only to be blocked by 2 council ranges. Police were called, with no success. I hope Jack Steggall is right when he says that all is not lost, there are more strategies yet! We all need to financially support the Save Manly Oval Alliance. All the immoral actions taken by these 5 Liberal Councillors will come back to bight them! Bring on amalgamation!

Candy Bingham

17/4/2016 12:46:07 pm

Hi Meg

We have no way of knowing who has made donations to the Liberal Party for the local government election. Unlike Good For Manly and other independents who have to record everything, the Liberal Campaign simply states "Funded by Head Office".

Lisle

13/4/2016 06:11:58 pm

The Manly Daily headline should read "Democracy is dead in Manly".
Devout Liberals changing alliance due to an out of control Liberal Council is not helpful to Premier Mike Baird nor Tony Abbott for that matter.

Incidentally is the Mr Athas named, the same person who initiated the Rialto Lane Upgrade that everyone is trying to hide from the Manly Community, including the "hole" jackhammered through the Peninsula ground level slab through to the Peninsula Manly Council carpark?

Lisle

14/4/2016 07:53:38 am

The Manly Daily headline this morning in fact read "Guards keep out rowdy residents".
"Council rangers and police were forced to guard the doors of Manly Council on Tuesday night after a large group of angry residents was locked out of the chambers while a controversial meeting took place."
In 2012 when Manly voted in 5 Liberal Councillors, little did they realise what was in store for the community. Nowhere in their manifesto did the Mayor mention Manly2015 (Manly Oval Carpark,etc.).
We have indeed been fortunate to have four other councilors who have taken up our concerns and brought forth the flaws and above all secrecy in Council's plans.
Incidentally with all these grandiose plans, Manly Council is unable to fulfil its duties to keep simple things in order such as cleaning Wentworth Street for instance.

Candy Bingham

17/4/2016 12:48:51 pm

Yes, Mr Athas is a well regarded property owner in Manly. He did contribute Section 94 Contributions to have paving done in Rialto Lane but the work was done by Council, not Mr Athas.

Gay O'Connor

13/4/2016 06:12:08 pm

Like Peter Grennan, I too am so angry - I can't believe the council have done this, despite the opposition to their plan. Actualyl, no, I am not surprised. Despite assurances that they "hadn't made any decision yet," and "take into account all submissions" it became clear quite early on that they had decided to continue with the project, despite those assurances Shame !!! Candy, I am so sorry all your work has been in vain.

Candy Bingham

17/4/2016 12:50:14 pm

Thanks Gay but it's never in vain.
The Save Manly Oval Alliance which has recently been formed will continue the fight both at the DA stage and in the Land & Enviroment Court if necessary.

They are well supported and well equipped with experts backing them.

Thomas Millett

23/5/2016 05:58:57 pm

Go, Girl!!!!!

Bruce Webb

13/4/2016 06:14:44 pm

Not only have the people of Manly been given the rough end of the stick but also those from Warringah and Mosman after the amalgamations.

Looks like Mike Baird will need to find a new job because I bet he will lose his seat and the Premiership due to his total inaction on this matter.

Tom Millett

23/5/2016 05:57:13 pm

Yes Baird can forget my vote!
If a bigger Council is 'logical' (Economies of size?)
Why not a bigger State Govt. as in an amalgamation of States?
Let them all be run from Canberra with Managers at the State level.
Goose/Gander argument here. But Baird? Nah,
Good bye Michael. I hope you have enough to retire on, Not that I
really care but I am sure you will!

David Tribe

13/4/2016 06:15:21 pm

Another con job without public participation. Funny that it should be announced before the council amalgamation. I wonder why? What a debt to be put onto the new council. Corruption and misinformation in its purest form. What a joke

13/4/2016 09:36:05 pm

not funny really because someone somewhere seems to have won a windfall without the appropriate scrutiny.

Candy Bingham

17/4/2016 12:51:45 pm

Hi David. I totally agree with the misinformation and the lack of due process but we are in no position to claim corruption.

max harvey

13/4/2016 07:01:19 pm

I have a letter from the minister Paul Toole, who informs me that Manly Council should be operating in accordance with the Guidelines during Merger Period dated December 2015. It clearly is not abiding by the conditions as per pages 5 and 6, but will get away with it because it is operating in accordance with its strategic plan (eg the master plan). This is so shameful it begs belief, and should be tested in the courts. Can we stop this now!! We are all united but need to have resources and know how to tie them up in court for 2-3 months.
Candy we need some guidance from your team, and your work to date has been most appreciated. We want our village to remain a village. Mr Athas and the Lib Council want us to be more like Double Bay...heaven forbid!!

Candy Bbingham

14/4/2016 09:56:30 am

Max. I contacted the Office of Local Governemnt about the Guidelines as I share your concern that this should NOT be passed 10 weeks before the merger announcement. I was told that because it has been in the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) for years, it did not apply.

What isn't in the CSP is to lease the Library site for 99 years - just the Whistler Street car park site. Unbelievable.

Kerrie Sweet

13/4/2016 07:05:52 pm

Dear Candy. This is a very sad day for Manly. In a few years you and all supporters of "Good for Manly" will be able to say "We told you so" but unfortunately it will be too late, the damage will have been done, just look at the swimming centre! The current liberal councillors treat the ratepayers with contempt. They are an absolute disgrace, no public consultation. This should have been put to a referendum but of course they knew if it did go to a referendum it would be defeated so they have "done the dirty" on Manly ratepayers and unfortunately the next generation will have to suffer the consequences of the incompetence of the liberal councillors.

John D Wilson

13/4/2016 07:12:40 pm

I suspect that the Liberal Councillors worship Mammon, or they are under unhealthy pressure from some bodies who do. Prima Facie it is a dodgy situation at best, at worst something criminal. I hope it is just stupidity by a bunch of compliant councillors. It is sickening any way you see it.

Joanna

13/4/2016 07:45:32 pm

I think it just shows the greed and that's the sad thing . What manly was , the village , has changed - no one cares about its history, the cinema, the iconic manly ferry , Baird is allowing it all as well as wrecking the Western suburbs . It feels like Sydney ( and Manly) is just being swallowed up in to a money making, who cares place . Really really sad.

Ben

13/4/2016 07:59:04 pm

Candy
That looks suspiciously like a shopping centre

john greentree

13/4/2016 08:39:46 pm

Remember not too far back we loved Manly and felt the Council had our interests at heart. Times have certainly changed !!
Last night was a disgrace to the ratepayers with the barricaded doors shutting out democracy.

Edwei Alagich

15/4/2016 05:42:24 pm

I still love Manly, but have never felt the council have had our interests at heart. This just confirms it. Bring on the next council elections. Vote them out; they're not trustworthy. The demolition of the Whistler St carpark will impact all the businesses in that area and gradually over time, those businesses will close as no-one will be able to park nearby: the physiotherapists, optometrists, framing galleries (who's going to lug a painting across Manly to be framed?) will all go and we'll ne left with $2 shops. Great.

Robert Jones

13/4/2016 08:52:08 pm

The lack of consultation with the residents of Manly has been nothing short of criminal, every councillor that has pushed this proposal forward behind closed doors should black listed from ever holding office anywhere in Australia.

A very dissatisfied resident of the pig headed idiots that we have in high places in Council.

Steve B

13/4/2016 09:10:15 pm

I beg to differ
Removing whistler st and revitalising the core of Manly and having less cars in Manly with parking at the Oval is exactly what Manly needs - the BIG issue for me is what exactly will we get IN the centre? A European style open piazza with great cafés and restaurants around it; an a public amenity/ theatre/ cultural space/ cinema - even a hopefully only small library (technology makes these increasingly unnecessary) - will this be open to public review and comment or does Council know what's best for us?

Council stuffs many things up when it rushes - look at Kenneth Rd parking - so how can we have faith in their plans without a review process?

Matt

14/4/2016 09:48:19 am

You are getting a 6 storey library/residential apartment/cafe & retail construction on a larger footprint than currently exists. The Liberal councillors have decided. A European style piazza would have been awesome. I wonder how much parking will be underneath for the people that pay what I imagine will be a very large amount of money for apartments on top of the building?
I really hope there is a way to put a stop to this.

Edwei Alagich

15/4/2016 05:49:29 pm

All bl***y food shops-what about having somewhere nearby to park so you don't have to lug your painting across Manly when you want it framed in the Belgrave St framing business? What about post-operative patients accessing the physiotherapy practice in Whistler St-do they/their carers have to park miles away. What if you're just popping into the optometrist in Sydney Road to pick up your prescription-currently a five minute errand? There are currently a multitude of places to eat/have coffee in Manly-do we really need a lot more??

Edwei Alagich

15/4/2016 05:51:39 pm

All bl***y food shops-what about having somewhere nearby to park so you don't have to lug your painting across Manly when you want it framed in the Belgrave St framing business? What about post-operative patients accessing the physiotherapy practice in Whistler St-do they/their carers have to park miles away-let's make it really hard for them. What if you're just popping into the optometrist in Sydney Road to pick up your prescription-currently a five minute errand? There are currently a multitude of places to eat/have coffee in Manly-do we really need a lot more??

13/4/2016 09:24:10 pm

if you vote and the result is one party with a majority, this is what happens.

Aida Copeland

13/4/2016 09:33:06 pm

The way the whole proyect has been conducted is suspicious and no logic to it.

Judy Rice

13/4/2016 09:41:08 pm

Local government is supposed to be closest and most responsive to their local community!
Manly Council is unbelievably unrepresentative of it's residents - I can't believe it. Bring on amalgamation and get rid of them....how can they do this to the ratepayers? It's unethical!!

Mark Kingaby

13/4/2016 10:11:24 pm

Thank you for all your efforts Candy and the team.
Should we assume that the Whistler Street work will not commence until the oval car park is complete (as per the mayors blog some month ago) or will that prove to be another lie. If it does not follow the carpark build then Manly will have greatly reduced parking for at least 12 months!
Have the developers for the Car Park been announced yet?

Candy Bingham

14/4/2016 10:02:29 am

HI Mark. Yes, the Oval car park was awarded to Albergeldie for around $28m. They plan to start building the car park in October this year and the Whistler Street demolition won't commence until the new car park is fully operational.

$28m for such a high-risk site? We'll see given the new Swim Centre is 40% over budget.

Bob McLean

13/4/2016 10:25:56 pm

Manly Council's environment commitment is to reduce greenhouse gases by 25% by 2020. Fat chance of that helping here with all the fuels needed to excavate and build an underground carpark. This is before they have to maintain all the plant needed to extract fumes and light the carpark.
Broken promises by 5 liberal councillors to listen to their community is the hallmark of this flawed debacle. We only need to look at the massive over development of the pool to get an idea of what this mob will convert our "Village Green" into.

Jenny ingham

13/4/2016 10:38:42 pm

Out of character with surrounding streets, historical buildings, quaint rooftops, terraces, laneways. An eyesore which will date. As for the stairways and lift and all that glass......ridiculous. Better suited to Chatswood. Still can't understand how this Council has ignored continually the wisdom of ratepayers and been hellbent on developing this area. Thanks GFM for keeping us informed and also for trying to stop this ridiculous development. GFM plan to refurbish wld have been enough in this time where Councils should be tightening their belts and looking to support real needs in the community. Shame.

Jill Healy-Quintard

13/4/2016 10:46:36 pm

Overwhelming to say the least and appears to be rushed through without any further consultation. It looks like the same architectural design that has overtaken places like Chatswood, where there is now no heart and soul and that is what will happen in Manly. There does need to be a Manly upgrade but the infrastructure for this type of development is enormous and do we want Manly to become a mini city?

Shelly

14/4/2016 06:59:33 am

Is this building really environmentally sound? Doubt it meets the LEP. Glass everywhere which will need to be screened so people inside aren't blinded by sun.. it's going to be another out of place building like the ugly Aquatic centre. Modernise yes within local landscape to match surrounding environment, within a price range that is affordable. Are they really going to create traffic chaos on sydney rd and spend money on this? Who is paying for this mess?

Sue

14/4/2016 08:31:36 am

The council are the only winners - more retail = more rates ; more homes = more rates...

Jack Steggall

14/4/2016 08:33:18 am

Well, who is really surprised? The Council majority just keeps rolling on ignoring the vast opposition to their Whistler St and Oval plans. The photos of the Whistler St site are of the usual "artist impressions" which never take place in reality. Remember those for the Pool and Short Street Plaza! How many apartments are in there for the developer to flog off? Of course no "artist impressions" of the underground oval car park as they would have to show what sort of mess is going to be created in Sydney Rd with roundabouts and lane closures. Have a look at those plans on the Save Manly Oval website. Keep fighting as it is not over yet and don't forget all this at election time.

Warren Riley

14/4/2016 09:35:11 am

The hypocrisy of the Liberal councillors is unbelievable. Mayor Hay originally said that amalgamation would result in the ratepayers losing their valuable contact with their elected representatives. What a load of B/S. We have never been allowed input on any issue. The final straw was Tuesday, when the Council entrance was barred by two goons. It smacks of Nazi Germany. What is more annoying is that it seems the tail (Wong) is wagging the dogs. Not surprising when hear of his efforts in Lane Cove.

Ian Graham

14/4/2016 09:58:03 am

I've never been able to find out the rumour Woolworth's has been given tacit assurance they will be able to set up in the new development?

Candy Bingham

14/4/2016 10:05:43 am

HI Ian. Woolworths is not on the table. Retail space too small at Whistler Street and Oval is just a car park.

Matt Tyrrell

14/4/2016 12:04:20 pm

Surely there must be somewhere we can see some plans on this carpark? Artist impressions, traffic plans etc? How are they going to fit a two story car park with concrete slabs underneath the oval? It just doesn't seem realistic

Bill Windred

14/4/2016 01:54:06 pm

Thank you Candy for all your efforts so far.
The Fat Lady is still warming up.
The whole process (or lack of it) smacks of corruption.
Maybe a job for the ICAC ?

Bill Windred

17/4/2016 01:02:10 pm

Hi Bill. I certainly haven't given up as it still needs to be approved by the JRPP and locals could mount a case in the Land & Enviroment Court. Bad process does not necessary equal corruption however.

Franko

14/4/2016 03:12:58 pm

Public disgrace will be the legacy of the mayor, her followers and Wong. After the amalgamations they will surely be dumped and disappear into obscurity, hopefully too ashamed to show their faces in Manly again. They have also soured the reputations of state and federal Liberals. Manly residents can rightfully expect that the premier could have knocked this insanity on the head. Is it too late for them to remember who elected them?

Janice Copland Aka Meldrum

14/4/2016 03:31:25 pm

Hard to know where to start with smoke still coming out of my ears.Arguable the most undemocratic decision ever taken in the history of Manly council, certainly in the 55 years I have lived here. There have been poor decisions but politics has always been about numbers and Manly has tended to be 50% for and 50% against regardless of the issue and while these decisions were taken by independent councillors representing different points of view they could be accepted.not always willingly but then you win some, you lose some.However when one political party hijacks a council this is what you get.Total and utter contempt for those who in fact pay the salaries of these public servants! Lots of pretty pictures-toss in from time to time the word "village'. That should shut them up and above all not too much clear detail on the day to day servicing of these overwhelming structures.Poor Whistler St! Forget the coloured brochures. Just answer a few of the most obvious questions. Black and white on an A4 will suffice

Luciano

14/4/2016 04:40:50 pm

Thought I would post an extract from the Manly Council website re its values.

Manly Council Values

The way we work and serve the Manly community is guided by a culture that is stated in Council’s Workforce Plan with the following values:

One Team – We work together to achieve a common goal.

Respect – We treat others as we would like to be treated.

Communication – We listen, share, respond, engage and collaborate.

Leadership – We lead by example.

Accountability – we work with integrity and take ownership of our actions and outcomes.

Safety – We work safe, think safe and keep others safe.

Sustainability – We respect and protect our natural environment.

Janice Copland link

19/4/2016 09:08:05 pm

You must be joking?

Mark Love

14/4/2016 05:00:30 pm

Candy, I think that you would have a good shot at un-seating our current member if you run as an independent at the next State elections. The whole development is about giving access to local business interests to develop public land - Whistler St. It is not about providing more or better parking. Manly is a honey-pot that local vested business interests are always itching to get their hands on. What next - convert Council Chambers into an up market hotel!

Elizabeth Boon

14/4/2016 09:29:31 pm

Our protests were not heeded! The Council has not listened to its ratepayers. I am very angry!

Elizabeth Boon

14/4/2016 09:31:07 pm

I am very angry! The Council is not interested in its rate payers. They are only determined to ruin the oval and Manly.

Geoff Adams

15/4/2016 12:48:16 pm

Candy So disappointed with the decision process of Manly Council on this matter and particularly with its lack of community concern
Your efforts were magnificent in leading the opposition on this matter
The parking under the oval and the disruption traffic in Sydney Rd will be a disaster for Manly and from all I've read on the matter from traffic and engineering experts also suggest that the proposed changes to Sydney Rd are in fact illegal Thanks for your efforts and support. Perhaps after her win on this matter Jean Hay and Henry Wong will resign and under the new council structure for the Northern Beaches we will have a return to democracy

Candy Bingham

17/4/2016 12:44:06 pm

Thanks Geoff. Your comments regarding the traffic and Sydney Road are a major concern. We still question whether they are workable.

Marjorie

15/4/2016 12:57:32 pm

Like so many residents who love Manly - who have lived here for decades and enjoyed its sense of community, I am aghast at the action of the Council, not only approving the development of Manly Oval and Whistler Street parking station and environs, but doing it behind closed doors despite the number of concerned residents who were locked out of the decision making. What has happened to Democracy????

Lisle

16/4/2016 07:27:09 pm

Now I understand the haste with which Manly Council rushed through the tenders for Manly2015 Master Plan last Tuesday night.

When we provided Manly Council with our email address to receive its Weekly e.News Bulletin, little did we realize what other uses they would make of it to spread their propaganda. (I wonder how much it is costing ratepayers.)
Following on bombarding me with advertising material to vote NO against Warringah Council Amalgamation, which greeted me each I logged on to my "favourites", now the message is

"Successful tenders for Manly2015 Master Plan" shouting out at me.

It appears Manly Council employees are writing their CV's and glorifying their achievements in a very public way, which seems to indicate that they are all looking for jobs.

They don't care about Manly, because they are planning to leave the ship and pass the debt and problems on to Manly ratepayers.

Jonathan Westley

17/4/2016 11:30:06 am

'...because they are planning to leave the ship'

The ship has already sunk to the bottom of the harbour!

Winning Tenders Announced Whistler Street & Oval Car Park

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