The central retail arcade at Manly Wharf is poised for a comprehensive transformation that could reshape how commuters and visitors experience one of Sydney’s most iconic ferry terminals.
Read: Saigon Supper Inn brings Saigon flavours to Manly Wharf
A $4.49 million development proposal currently on exhibition aims to convert the heritage-listed arcade into a unified food and beverage precinct, complete with a new skylight, weather protection, and restored heritage features. The plans represent the most significant upgrade to the retail thoroughfare in recent memory, promising to turn what’s often been a mere passageway into a genuine destination.
Brisbane-based Artemus Group, which acquired the wharf’s long-term leasehold for $80 million in 2023, has submitted the development application to local officials, with the public exhibition period running from 14 January through 11 February 2026.
What’s Changing?
The proposal involves consolidating the existing seven tenancies down to six, and three kiosks into two, reorganising the entire arcade into four distinct retail zones. According to the Statement of Environmental Effects, every tenancy will operate as a food and drink premises, with a deliberate focus on fresh food and artisanal produce.
Trading hours would extend from 6am to 1am, seven days a week, creating an all-day dining and gathering space at one of the harbour’s busiest transport hubs.
The physical transformation includes several notable features designed to improve both aesthetics and functionality. A new skylight will be installed above the arcade, allowing natural light to penetrate the space throughout the day. Glass sliding doors will be added at the entrance to provide weather protection during Sydney’s unpredictable conditions, whilst existing shopfronts, partitions and internal elements will be removed to create a more open, cohesive environment.
Lighting and signage will receive comprehensive upgrades, and the development includes plans for fixed seating and improved waiting areas for ferry passengers seeking shelter between services. The flexibility built into the tenancy arrangements means operators could combine two spaces if desired, allowing for larger venues or more diverse offerings.
Heritage Restoration at the Heart
Perhaps most significant for those concerned about preserving Manly’s character, the development specifically commits to restoring and reinstating heritage-significant features. The Statement of Environmental Effects emphasises that the proposed works will improve public amenity, provide additional shelter and areas of respite for ferry passengers, and restore heritage elements.
This isn’t Artemus Group’s first project at Manly Wharf. Since acquiring the property in 2023, the company has been transforming the precinct. The group purchased the former Manly Wharf Bar for $30 million and reopened it as Felons, part of its broader vision for the site.
Community Input Critical
The public exhibition period represents a crucial window for residents and stakeholders to weigh in on the proposal. Feedback can be submitted through the Northern Beaches planning portal, with the development application reference DA2025/1845.
For a precinct that serves as both a vital transport hub and a gateway to one of Sydney’s most beloved beaches, the arcade’s transformation could have far-reaching implications. The question facing the Manly community is whether converting the entire retail offering to food and beverage premises, with extended trading hours until 1am, aligns with local expectations for the space.
Artemus Group has positioned the development as part of its ongoing commitment to improving Manly Wharf for all users – commuters rushing to catch ferries, tourists exploring the area, and locals seeking harbourside dining options. The company envisions creating a destination that honours the wharf’s heritage whilst meeting contemporary demands.
Whether this vision resonates with the community will become clearer as feedback rolls in during the exhibition period. With the wharf serving as Manly’s gateway, getting this transformation right matters not just for daily commuters, but for the suburb’s identity and economic vitality.
Read: Late-Night Trading Plans Raise Concerns in Manly
The development application documents are available for viewing on the Northern Beaches e-planning portal until 11 February.
Published 21-January-2026
