A $20 million proposal to bulldoze and replace the 43-year-old Manly Surf Club has split the community, with some residents calling the plan a “gross overuse” of the site and others praising it as essential for public safety.
A Club ‘Past Its Use’
The Development Application (DA) for the contentious project has now been released for public feedback. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins stated that the current clubhouse, which was built in 1982, has “outgrown its use” and is no longer adequate to support the safety of the more than 3.5 million people who visit Manly Beach annually.
The club itself, established in 1911, leases the building from the council and has described the DA’s release as an “exciting step forward.” Club officials have pointed out that the current building is falling into disrepair, with poor toilets, showers, and change rooms, as well as insufficient storage for vital surf rescue and training equipment.
The Proposed New Facility
The new design, created by Terrior architects, is inspired by the natural sandstone surroundings of the Manly peninsula. It proposes to expand the clubhouse footprint by approximately 10 per cent. This extra space would be used for significantly more equipment storage, allowing all watercraft to be removed from the public promenade.
The plans also include four additional public toilets and more showers, improved bag storage for swimming groups, and the retention of the popular coffee kiosk. For lifesavers, the building would provide better training facilities, equitable amenities for female volunteers, and improved line of sight to the beach for council lifeguards. A lift and wheelchair-compliant structures are included to improve disability access, following a two-year consultation process.
Community Concerns and Support
Despite the club’s support, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from some local residents. Concerns have been raised that the new three-storey building is an “eyesore” and a “gross overuse” of the highly constrained site. Andrew Gordon, a Manly resident, argued the plans have not properly addressed the noise and traffic impacts the new facility, particularly its function room, could have on the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
However, other locals have supported the DA. Club President Tim Cuthbert, who is also a Manly resident, described the project as a carefully considered design that balances preserving the area’s character with meeting the community’s needs, enhancing public safety, and protecting the environment.
Funding and Next Steps
The council does not yet have the full $20 million required to deliver the project. To date, $11 million has been collected, which includes $5 million from the federal government and $1 million from the NSW government. Mayor Heins noted that having an approved DA is essential for securing the additional grant funding needed to complete the project. The DA is set to be assessed by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel.
Published Date 12-November-2025
