Council lodges $20m proposal for new Manly LSC
Following years of consultation, council has lodged plans for a new $19.8 million Manly Life Saving Club building.
Council made some design improvements to the original development application (DA), such as improved disability access and wider thoroughfare at the Marine Parade ‘pinch.’ There has also been a partial upper floor set back against the cliff face providing council’s professional lifeguards a better line of sight. Additional toilets, volunteer training facilities and access to drone facilities were also included. The footprint of the proposed club is 10% larger than the current site.
Manly Community Forum chair Cathy Griffin was disappointed that the new club would encroach on public land.
“Ten per cent doesn’t sound huge, but they’re taking a great deal more usable space than 10% of the footprint,” Ms Griffin told PL. (They are) privatising a public building for membership of 2,000 people, storage and events. They’re going to have two venue spaces there – the area that has the best views over the beach where they’re not allowing the public lifesavers to go, and a club room upstairs.
“Everybody wants it redeveloped and improved,” said Ms Griffin. “But it’s like fixing the worst house in the best street and finding that they’re going to put a high-rise on it.”
Manly LSC President Tim Cuthbert told PL that the current building was no longer fit for purpose, with membership growing over 430% to 1,800 volunteers.
“This isn’t just a clubhouse, it’s a community safety hub and learning space for everyone who loves Manly Beach,” Mr Cuthbert said. The 10% additional footprint ‘dramatically enhances the club’s functionality,’ he stated. It was a natural consequence the building would extend slightly along the promenade because it was being pulled back from the rock face for sewage easement access, and the Shelly Beach walk ‘pinch point’ widening, he added.
“This rebuild isn’t about luxury. It’s about safety, training and inclusion. It’s about ensuring every person who visits Manly Beach can enjoy it safely, and every volunteer has the tools and space to protect them,” Mr Cuthbert concluded.
Council has $11 million for the project, but said an approved DA would provide more opportunities for funding.
The DA will be assessed by the Sydney North Planning Panel and submissions close on 17 November.