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Boardrider Backpacker Manly Enters Market for Potential Transformation

Strategically positioned at the midpoint between the pristine beachfront and the bustling Manly Wharf, Boardrider Backpacker Manly is considered a trophy location, with the potential to be repositioned as a haven for ‘flashpackers’ or a boutique hotel.

The expansive 1,158 square metres property is being offered on the market as a going concern. This arrangement grants prospective owners a notable degree of versatility in their envisioned pursuits.

Boardrider Backpacker Manly offers a diverse selection of 28 spacious accommodation rooms, enough to take in up to 120 occupants.

The assortment of lodgings encompasses four and six-bed mixed and female dormitories, private double rooms, luxurious private accommodations, and even a two-bedroom serviced apartment.

Many of these lodgings feature Juliette balconies, from which occupants may enjoy captivating vistas of the renowned Manly Beach. Moreover, the property features communal areas, a guest reception zone, a coffee establishment, a kitchen and a rooftop terrace.

Distinguished entrepreneur Peter Skerrett’s private family office, Invergowrie Properties, has engaged the services of Hayley Manvell and Raymond Tran from CBRE Hotels to spearhead the sale of the Boardrider Backpacker Manly.

Hayley Manvell, Director at CBRE Hotels, said that with its great location, the Boardrider property has the potential to be transformed into a sophisticated haven catering to the “flashpacker” demographic or an upscale boutique hotel.

“Flashpackers,” she said, bridges the gap between budget-conscious backpacker accommodations and luxury hotels. They tend to have more disposable means than conventional backpackers, exhibit a preference for lengthy trips and frequently combine work obligations with leisure activities.

Such modification would cater to travellers who seek an enriched experience with expansive social areas, co-working domains, and a range of culinary and beverage options.

Additionally, the property’s zoning configuration and existing developmental approval add prospects for repurposing as the site could be converted into a collection of luxurious one and two-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 52 square metres to 101 square metres, complemented by ground-level retail establishments.

The property is currently being sold through an Expressions of Interest campaign which closes on Thursday, 07 September 2023 at 1 pm (unless sold prior).

Published 9-August-2023

Legacy Recognised for Manly WWI Heroine Ellen Wharton-Kirke

Photo Credit: Public Domain/Raw Pixel

Did you know that “Australia Day” was once commemorated on 30th July 1915 because of a Manly World War I heroine, Ellen Wharton-Kirke MBE?

In a heartfelt tribute to an often-overlooked figure from history, a commemorative morning tea was held on in her honour on Sunday, 30 July 2023, at the office of James Griffin, Member for Manly.

The event was organised by members of Australia Remembers — Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, which unveiled a striking bronze plaque for Ellen, a woman whose extraordinary efforts during World War I left an indelible mark on the nation.

To honour her legacy, a bronze commemorative plaque was officially unveiled at the office of Mr Griffin in 2023 in the presence of esteemed individuals such as Chris Ballantyne, Secretary of Dee Why RSL sub-Branch, Jean Hay AM, former Mayor of Manly and member of the Australia Remembers — Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, and retired Colonel John Platt CSC, Chair of the committee.

The placement of the plaque is currently under discussion with the Northern Beaches Council, with a potential spot slated at Belgrave Street, in front of the iconic 1937 heritage-listed Manly Town Hall. The Dee Why RSL sub-Branch generously funded the cost of the plaque.

Who Was Ellen Wharton-Kirke?

Ellen, a mother of five who was originally from Queensland, was a woman of immense determination and compassion. As the Great War swept across Europe from 1914 to 1918, she watched in dismay as soldiers, including her own son Basil, returned home wounded and in need of care. Ellen was spurred into action, launching a campaign known as the “Australia Day Fund” to raise money for the wounded soldiers’ welfare.

Spurred by the enlistment of her four sons, Ellen suggested the concept of an Australia Day to Sir Charles Wade, then the Premier of New South Wales. Having observed the generosity of Australians during previous fundraising endeavours, Ellen recognised the potential of this initiative.

She aimed to harness the pride of the Australian populace in the recent achievements of their soldiers at Gallipoli. The 30th of July 1915 was designated as the chosen date, and events were orchestrated nationwide. An array of items, including ribbons, badges, handkerchiefs, buttons, and the featured matchbox, were sold to raise funds.

Catchphrases like “For Australia’s Heroes” or “Help Our Wounded Heroes” and “The Turks Struck their Match in the Australians” appealed to people’s deep sense of patriotism and pride.

Remarkably, from a population of slightly under five million, the day garnered over £311,500 in Victoria and more than £839,500 in New South Wales. In today’s currency, those figures would be worth over $125 million.

For her tireless dedication to the cause, Ellen was awarded the Australia Day gold commemorative Gallipoli medal by the Citizens of Sydney. This medalet, one of only four ever struck in solid gold, paid tribute to her selfless philanthropy.

Additionally, she received a King’s Royal Jubilee medal and, in the 1936 New Year Honours List, was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

She died at the age of 79 in New South Wales in 1945. A memorial in her name can be found in the sanctuary of the Mary Immaculate Church in Manly.

Published 9-Aug-2023

Manly Beach to Host First-Ever Beach Clean-Up Olympics in Australia

Get ready for the most thrilling and earth-friendly competition ever as Manly Beach proudly announces the hosting of the first-ever Beach Clean-Up Olympics, the SPOGOMI World Cup 2023!

This revolutionary sport is all about picking up rubbish, and it’s set to make history at the iconic site in Sydney on 26 Aug 2023.

Marine litter has become a pressing global issue with approximately 80% of it originating from cities. The SPOGOMI Beach Clean-Up Olympics aims to not only tackle this problem but also raise awareness within communities about the importance of keeping our beaches and oceans clean.

SPOGOMI, an abbreviation for “Sport Gomihiroi (picking up trash),” was initially invented in 2008 by Mamitsuka Kenichi from the Social Sports Initiative. Over the years, this innovative sport has grown into a global competition, attracting participants from around the world. Its goal is to create a proactive approach and a global movement that transcends national and generational boundaries, ultimately reducing litter that ends up in our oceans.

During the event, teams will compete against each other to earn points based on the amount and type of rubbish collected within a designated area and a set time limit. The winning team will be granted a prestigious invitation and sponsorship to fly to Japan, where they will represent Australia at the SPOGOMI Olympics in November 2023.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE

“Our meditation community is regularly engaged in cleaning up our beaches and parks, so we are very excited to be part of this event,” Jason Partington, co-host and the founder of MeditationHQ, expresses his excitement about bringing the world competition to Australian shores.

The event promises to be star-studded, with the presence of well-known personalities like Layne Beachley, the 7-time world surf champion, and Takeshi Mastuda, the Japanese Olympian Swimmer. These inspiring figures will share a few words of encouragement and announce the victorious team, marking a historic moment in the fight against marine pollution.

“It’s amazing to see so much support of this important initiative not only by the local council and community but also by well-known role models who truly care about our ocean,” Franziska Iseli, co-host and the founder of Oceanlovers and Basic Bananas, emphasized the importance of the initiative and the support it has garnered.

For more about this event, visit the official SPOGOMI Olympics site.

Published 2-Aug-2023

Sydney’s Historic Manly Wharf Sold for $80 Million to Brisbane Investors

Manly Wharf, a historic landmark in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has been sold to the owners of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) in a deal worth $80 million.

The sale was facilitated by TMG Developments and the negotiations were conducted by Simon Rooney and James Douglas from CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate and investment firm.

Manly Wharf, originally built in 1855 as a passenger terminal for the Sydney to Manly Ferry, has undergone a transformation in recent years and has become a popular hospitality destination. It is home to several well-known venues, including Queen Chow, Hugos, and the Manly Wharf Hotel.

Adam Flaskas and Paul Henry, the founders and directors of HSW, have a track record of revitalising historic sites. They successfully transformed the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves into a thriving entertainment and cultural precinct, featuring restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces, a hotel, and the award-winning Felons Brewery.

Mr Flaskas expressed his excitement about becoming the new custodians of Manly Wharf, emphasizing the site’s rich history and iconic status. He stated that their goal is to breathe new life into the venue and create a place where the harbor meets the beach.

Mr Henry, a Sydney native, shared his fond memories of Manly and expressed his enthusiasm for the HSW team’s plans to respect the site’s history and cater to the local community and visitors.

As part of the deal, HSW also acquired the Manly Wharf Hotel business from Ben May. Mr Flaskas highlighted their commitment to staff retention and sustainability during the transition. They aim to focus on achieving landfill diversion and have already achieved a remarkable 95% landfill diversion at Howard Smith Wharves.

Former owner Robert Magid of TMG Developments reflected on the sale with fondness, describing it as one of their early property purchases. He expressed delight in selling to a group with a focused, imaginative, and competent team, and he is confident that HSW will take Manly Wharf to an international stage.

Published 6-July-2023

Northern Beaches Highway Patrol Targets E-Bike Riders in Manly Corso Crackdown

The Northern Beaches Highway Patrol initiated a targeted enforcement operation focusing on e-bike riders within Sydney’s northern beaches region, starting off with the bustling Manly Corso in May 2023.

Read: New Traffic Measures in Manly Criticised Despite Aim for Pedestrian Safety

The primary objective of the operation at the Manly Corso is to enhance public awareness regarding the traffic regulations associated with e-scooters, e-bikes, and pedestrian safety.

E-bikes are gaining immense popularity and are increasingly prevalent on the roads. These bicycles, equipped with rechargeable batteries, offer electric assistance whilst pedalling, making uphill rides and everyday journeys significantly more manageable.

In NSW, there are two types of permitted e-bikes: power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles. Individuals operating these e-bikes are subject to the same safety protocols as conventional bicycle riders, which include wearing securely fitted helmets.

Although certain e-bikes can achieve speeds of up to 100 km/h, there is a speed restriction of 25 km/h for e-bikes during regular travel. E-bikes may only exceed this limit when travelling downhill.

Transport for NSW acknowledges that bicycles that meet the necessary criteria for permitted e-bikes are allowed to be used on public roads and road-related areas.

Just like regular bicycles, personal e-bikes do not require a licence, but riders utilising public or rideshare e-bikes must be at least 14 years old.

The usage of all petrol-powered bicycles is prohibited on roads and road-related areas in NSW, including footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways, and cycle paths.

This restriction encompasses bicycles with petrol-powered engines that are either attached before or after purchase, as well as those powered by other forms of internal combustion engines.

Read: Locals Not Happy With Recommendations To Scrap Manly’s Free Bus Service

The Northern Beaches Highway Patrol have planned to carry out this operation from May to July 2023.

Published 19-May-2023

New Traffic Measures in Manly Criticised Despite Aim for Pedestrian Safety

Photo credit: Change.org

In response to the occurrence of several pedestrian accidents in Manly over the years, the Northern Beaches has implemented new safety measures to reduce traffic speed and improve pedestrian safety in the Manly CBD area. Despite this, some measures have received strong criticism.

Among the measures taken was the establishment of a 30 km/h speed limit in the Manly CBD area. It resulted in an average traffic speed decrease from about 45 km/h to 39 km/h.

Despite this, Council officials have noted that some motorists continue to surpass the speed limit, endangering pedestrians and other road users. As such, in order to enhance safety, 14 concrete median islands were added throughout the Manly CBD and beachfront.

According to Northern Beaches Council, these islands will effectively reduce the speed of traffic by decreasing the width of the travel lane. In areas where the median islands affect parking spaces, the parking bays will be labelled as appropriate only for small vehicles, and signs will be put in place to inform drivers of the adjustments.

Although these safety measures are crucial, the Council has received feedback from the community requesting more information. In response, the Council has declared that no additional work will be carried out beyond completing line markings and signposting until an evaluation of the effectiveness of the traffic-calming measures has been conducted.

The Local Traffic Committee, which includes the Northern Beaches Council, Transport for New South Wales, and other government agencies, have collaborated to implement new safety measures.

Residents, however, expressed disapproval of the installation of concrete median islands along North and South Steyne on the seafront and certain roads in the central business district, claiming that it has created new hazards and is totally unnecessary.

According to an online petition, these median strips have resulted in difficulties for individuals trying to reverse out of parking spots and hitting them. Some concrete median strips have also developed cracks. Furthermore, they are challenging to see in low light and rainy conditions and should be taken down.

Published 20-April-2023

Gas Drilling Off Manly Beach to Newcastle Coastline May Disrupt Whale Migration Activity

Photo Credit: 1790462/Pixabay

The possible resumption of gas drilling off the New South Wales coastline from Manly to Newcastle has raised concerns over a potential disruption of the annual whale migration patterns through Queensland.

The Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) will allow the use of seismic blasts in the gas exploration process, which will have a devastating impact on marine life. According to Friends of the Earth Australia these blasts will render the whales deaf or dead.

“Allowing fossil methane gas exploration or extraction in the busy east coast whale migration route is absolute madness,” said Jeff Waters of the Friends of the Earth Australia’s Offshore Fossil Gas Campaigner.

In 2021, former prime minister Scott Morrison intervened to stop the drilling but Asset Energy took the matter to court. However, on the 3rd of Feb. 2023, the Federal Government announced its agreement to resolve court proceedings with Asset Energy by filing the consent orders with the Federal Court of Australia.

Once the court grants the consent orders then the NSW State Government has to make its decision.

“How can the government even be considering disrupting such an important area?” Mr Waters asked.

“Queensland’s spectacular annual whale migration will be drastically disrupted.

“The constant, massive explosions in the sea that will be needed to survey the site will not only scare whales away from this important corridor, but it has also been shown to send aquatic mammals deaf, guaranteeing their deaths.

Gas drilling NSW — *Photo Credit: Supplied/Friends of EarthAustralia*

“Seismic blasting is also known to kill other sea life, including krill, which is an important food source for fish and other wildlife,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Greens, through its spokesperson Sue Higginson, have also called on the NSW Government to oppose PEP-11.

“PEP 11 is an unreasonable and dangerous project that is universally opposed by communities from Sydney’s Northern Beaches through to Newcastle,” she said. “The NSW Government needs to guarantee that they will do everything in their power to stop these gas bullies from ruining our marine environment, coastlines and our climate.”

“The gas companies are threatening NSW and Australia with a gas shortage that they have created by exporting domestic gas overseas for massive profits. This project will do nothing to alleviate the energy crisis and if the gas is extracted and burnt, it will become a primary driver of worsening climate change disasters.”

NSW independents are also asking the state to drop the PEP-11 license and ban gas exploration across the shores.

Published 04 February 2023

Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Now Open

Photo credit: Northern Sydney Local Health District / nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Australia’s first and only hospice for adolescents and young adults is now open and ready to take in patients.

iN December 2022, the Northern Sydney Local Health District staff, patients, and the local Manly community celebrated the end of construction of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice located at the former site of Manly Hospital in North Head.

The first of its kind of facility to open in Australia will be accepting 15 to 24-year-old patients with a life-limiting illness beginning February 2023, providing care, symptom management or end-of-life care.

“The AYAH addresses a critical need in the care sector by providing specialised care for young people, and support for families, including bereavement support and counselling,” NSLHD Interim Chief Executive Lee Gregory said.

Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Now Open — Photo credit: Northern Sydney Local Health District / nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Throughout its planning and construction, Mr Lee said that the project team had worked closely with Bear Cottage in terms of design, the art strategy, recruitment and appropriate furniture, fittings and equipment.

Moreover, they have kept a strong focus on long-term sustainability initiatives holding a 4-star Green Star equivalent, solar panels on the roof, LED lighting throughout and water capture facilities.

Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice houses eight bedrooms for patients with each having an ensuite and outdoor balcony. There are two carer’s lounges as well and two family accommodation units with two bedrooms each.

The facility also features telehealth consult spaces, an on-site dedicated kitchen and dining room; breakout spaces room, games room, media room, multisensory room, quiet and sitting rooms; and laundry for families staying overnight.

Outside is an outdoor balcony off the lounge room offering views over the harbour plus gardening as well as landscaping areas which include spaces for outdoor activities.

“The hospice will be important for young people who outgrow Bear Cottage or who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult,” he said.

The project was possible through funding from the NSW Government and the Australian Government, and generous donations from community groups and local organisations.

Published 31-January-2023

Little Manly Beach Seawall Opening Delayed To Early 2023

The new seawall at Little Manly Beach is opening in time for Australia Day 2023, after a delay due to the discovery of human remains and asbestos material at the construction site in 2022.

Read: Manly Cove: Among Sydney’s Microplastics Hotspots

Northern Beaches Council confirmed that the materials contaminated by asbestos have already been removed and disposed of by a licensed asbestos hygienist in accordance with Safe Work NSW guidelines.

Stockpile sieving and restoration of the grassed park area are are scheduled to be completed just in time for Australia Day.

Works at the site had previously been stopped, after construction workers discovered human remains east of Little Manly Cove in July 2022.

The asbestos fragments were discovered by archaeologists whilst doing follow-up investigations into the remains. Experts believe that the bones were likely of Indigenous origin and not of this era.

Archaeologists said the materials found were bonded asbestos, which possibly came from a historical activity or an old privately owned structure at the location.

It’s believed that asbestos was mined in Australia until 1984, and around 1.5 million tonnes of asbestos was imported between 1930 and 1983. In fact, it was used in over 3,000 building products before it was banned in Australia.

Because the works are culturally sensitive given that it involves Aboriginal remains, Council has consulted the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC), Heritage NSW, archaeological consultants, environmental consultants and SafeWork NSW.

Meanwhile, works at the site were part of the Little Manly Reserves Landscape Masterplan, which includes upgrading the seawall at Little Manly Reserve and Beach. It will feature sandstone block, bleacher style seating as well as new concrete stairs and handrails.

Read: Manly Wharf: Premier Waterfront Destination on the Market for $80 Million

The benefits of the seawall upgrade include improved accessibility, creating a meeting area along the foreshore, and connecting the foreshore open space park with the beach.

Manly Wharf: Premier Waterfront Destination on the Market for $80 Million

Manly Wharf, the gateway to Sydney’s Northern Beaches with its captive audience of approximately 2.5 million commuters and day trippers, has been listed on the market for $80 million.

After nearly 28 years, owner and developer, Robert Magid of TMG Developments, is reportedly restructuring the company’s portfolio and changing the structure of its family-owned business.

Thus, TMG Developments has decided to sell the trophy property to potential international or local investors, following the sale of its other investments, such as Sydney’s Harbour Rocks Hotel and Melbourne’s Hotel Lindrum.

Manly Wharf, which was originally built as a passenger terminal in 1855, is home to 20 tenancies, including popular Sydney venues like Hugo’s, El Camino, Bavarian Bier Café, and Sake. Under Magid’s watch, the site cemented its reputation as one of the best leisure and recreational destinations in the country.

Manly Wharf 1880s — Manly Wharf in the 1880s
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Prior to selling the property, TMG Developments had plans to redevelop Manly Wharf into a six storey hotel with over 200 rooms, which did not receive approval from the Council. It comes after the company spent $9 million to revitalise the site more than eight years ago to become a highly-developed venue.

Meanwhile, CBRE is confident that Manly Wharf will attract a lot of interest as it remains a transit hub with 2.5 million commuters a day through its joint bus and ferry networks. CBRE’s Simon Rooney and James Douglas believe that the site has “multiple value-add opportunities” for its future owners, especially with the planned Wharf 3 and Manly Cove Upgrades by the NSW Government.