The iconic Stoke Beach House, a popular backpacker hostel in Manly, will be transformed into high-end residential apartments after its contentious development application process has been approved.
The NSW Land and Environment Court approved 2023/00212498 on 28 March 2024. The development includes “demolition works and construction of a mixed use development with basement car parking.”
The revised development application was approved after modifications were made to address concerns about the project’s height and density and the preservation of the building’s unique “inter-war Mediterranean” architectural style.
Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel initially rejected their $8.5 million proposal (DA2022/2256) to redevelop the site into a four-storey building comprising ten luxury apartments and a ground-floor convenience store. The owners of Stoke Beach House have successfully appealed a decision.
Significant community concerns were initially raised regarding the development, focusing on potential privacy issues, increased noise, and traffic, particularly the impact on nearby St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The local planning authorities were also worried about the loss of a heritage site, as the original building served as an ambulance station from 1936 to 1986 before becoming a hostel in 1989.
However, a heritage assessment consultant concluded that the demolition would not detrimentally impact the heritage conservation area, which played a crucial role in the court’s decision to grant approval.
Timeline of Events
- 1936-1986: Building serves as Manly’s ambulance station.
- 1989: Converted into the Manly Backpackers hostel.
- Mid-2018: Renamed Stoke Beach House.
- January 2021: Temporarily closed due to Covid restrictions.
- Early 2021: Original development application lodged and subsequently denied.
- February 1, 2024: Conciliation conference leads to approval of amended development application.
The approval marks the end of the hostel known for offering budget accommodation in a prime location, which had contributed significantly to Manly’s low-cost tourism sector.
The redevelopment into high-end apartments reflects ongoing changes in the local real estate market, aiming to attract a different demographic to the Northern Beaches area.
The project is expected to commence later this year, following the detailed planning and design phase that is now being finalised.
Published 16-April-2024
