Plans to build Hard Rock, the popular American live music venue and restaurant, at The Corso in Manly have been scrapped after the developers withdrew their application.
Initium Management Pty Ltd filed the DA2022/0662 for Hard Rock in Manly in May 2022. The popular restaurant was supposed to move into the former site of Billabong, the surf apparel store that shut down in June 2021.
The ground floor and mezzanine of the three-storey building beside the Boardrider Backpackers & Budget Motel were earmarked for the restaurant.
Photo Credit: DA2022/0662/NorthernBeachesCouncil
Submitted plans indicate that the venue planned to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. with live music throughout the week. The restaurant had been designed to accommodate 534 people.
Photo Credit: DA2022/0662/NorthernBeachesCouncil
Whilst some sectors were hopeful that the venue will help revive Manly post-pandemic, some locals voiced their opposition to the proposed venue.
Good for Manly President Candy Bingham, for instance, pointed out that Manly CBD has four existing pubs “within 400 metres” of each other, which brings the total licensed capacity to 5,950 people at a time. She also said that Manly there are over 100 licensed venues in the CBD.
Milestone Pty Limited also objected to the proposal by pointing out that their client, The New Brighton Hotel, has a pub, restaurant, and live entertainment in the town centre. It stands next door to the proposed venue.
Another resident said that another pub at The Corse will only “will only exacerbate the problems at night with alcohol-affected patrons.” Instead, Manly needs more retail establishments to attract commercial activities during the day.
Initium Management Pty Ltd withdrew its application in August 2022. A spokesperson for the Northern Beaches Council confirmed that there is no active or subsequent applications for Hard Rock on the record.
Michael Jetson, the beloved cat owner familiar to a lot of locals in Manly Beach, has passed away following his bout with diabetes. Now, his friend is finding a forever home for Smudge and Bluey, the cats he left behind.
Peter Cantwell shared on the Manly Community on Facebook that he hopes to “find the best home possible” for the cats. Michael was a devoted cat person and would take his furry pets on walks along The Corso.
“Bluey will sleep on your shoulder; she’s a beautiful cat,” Peter said. “Smudge is a little timid at the moment.”
I have a few people interested but I want the best home possible,” he said, adding he can’t give up on the cats as they were important to his friend.
Michael, who was on a disability pension supported himself as a milkman and worked in supermarkets and restaurants. He was also a volunteer at various food relief organizations.
But most of the locals will remember him as the Cat Man in The Corso. In 2018, the Northern Beaches community rallied for Michael and his beloved black and white cat, Dotti, who was diagnosed with cancer at 12 years old and needed surgery for her mammary glands.
Photo Credit: Dotti Jetson/Facebook
Dotti had been Michael’s pet since she was a tiny seven-month kitten and was also as familiar among locals as his owner. If people saw Michael walking in the streets without Dotti, they would often ask him about her.
After raising $7,031, Dotti had her surgery at a clinic in Balgowlah. According to Peter, the cat passed away in 2021.
Meanwhile, Northern Beaches Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham was also one of the first to publicly announce that Michael has died.
“Michael (and Dotti) were always in the Corso chatting to people and bringing joy to many,” the deputy mayor said. “He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Wahlburgers, the burger restaurant founded by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, is about to open three new chains in the northern beaches, with one location confirmed to be in Manly.
It will take over the Manly Greenhouse restaurant by December this year, offering a picturesque view of Manly Beach along with their gourmet burgers.
Chef Paul Wahlberg (Photo credit: Wahlburgers Australia/Facebook)
Burger fans in Manly can expect their signature burgers to be on offer, including the famous ‘The Our Burger,’ which is beef burger, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and their signature sauce.
On top of their signature burgers that use Angus beef blends, the menu in Manly will include a few local delights, such as an Aussie brekky, crispy schnitty, and cheese toasties.
The Aussie brekkie (Photo credit: Wahlburgers Australia/Facebook)
United Cinemas’ Roy Mustaca and his son Sam, who already opened a Wahlburgers at East Circular Quay’s cinema earlier in 2022, have the Australian and New Zealand franchise rights for the brand.
Like other Wahlburgers, the one at Opera Quays features an impressive menu, which includes not just burgers and sides, but also salads, breakfast, share plates, a dedicated kids menu, and gluten-free buns.
Photo credit: Wahlburgers Australia/Facebook
The Mustacas met the Hollywood actor back in 2020 to sign a deal with them for the launch of Wahlburgers in Australia.
In addition to Manly, Wahlburgers is also set to launch in Dee Why and in Mustaca’s cinema complex at Warriewood.
Wahlburger was established in 2011 Hingham, Massachusetts, near Alma Nove, the pre-existing restaurant operated by Mark’s brother, Chef Paul Wahlberg.
Now, they have more than 50 locations across Europe and North America. Due to the success of the restaurant, it had its own TV series, which aired on A&E from 2014 to 2019, with a total of 10 seasons.
Whilst the exact dates were not confirmed yet, Wahlburgers CEO John Fuller said the Wahlbergs will eventually fly to Australia to see the new outlets.
Bondi’s popular purveyor of lox and bagels is coming your way soon. Lox in a Box is expanding with two new stores – one in each of the to-be-announced Manly and Coogee locations.
Did you know that Lox in a Box only uses sustainably raised salmon sourced from New Zealand? And this is what Manly and Coogee locals will also enjoy once their respective local LIAB outlets open.
The Manly location will have a bigger venue than its Coogee sister and will offer a dine-in option for those who wish to enjoy their mouth-watering bagel at the site. The Coogee site is targeted to open this 5th of August 2022 with Manly expected to follow soon after.
Not yet familiar with their menu? Here’s a sneak peek.
The bagel menu will include the classics: cured salmon bagel with a schmear of herbed cream cheese, tomato, onions and baby capers; and veggie bagel stacked with beetroot, Jalapeño cream cheese, onion, carrot, tomato, pickles, cheddar cheese and rocket.
Chicken Schnitzel bagel / Classic lox bagel | Photo Credit: Lox in a Box / lox-in-a-box.square.site
There’s also the chicken schnitzel bagel made with cheddar cheese, mayo, peri-peri and lettuce; and the fried NZ hake fish bagel with tartare sauce, American cheese and lettuce. Customers have the option to add extras and sides.
Fish bagel / Veggie bagel | Photo Credit: Lox in a Box
Or why not customize your own bagel box? With their Build-Your-Own Box option, you can mix and match your bagel with their house-cured salmon, salt-beef and a range of schmears along with salad and cookies. You will also have the option to have your food delivered right to your doorstep.
Lox in a Box has become a favourite joint for everything bagels since owner Cany Berger (Fed Kitchen catering) and partner Gaia Lovell opened their first hole-in-the-wall takeaway shop in Bondi in 2019. Apart from Manly and Coogee, the pair is also eyeing a Newtown location next. Stay tuned for more updates.
Forest ward councillor Jose Menano-Pires submitted a motion to review the viability of the service and suggested using the funds for the maintenance and repair of potholed local roads.
Cr Menano-Pires has also recommended using the taxpayer’s money in creating new footpaths.
During a council meeting, Cr Menano-Pires stated that the free bus service should be phased out by September 2022 unless it could be run on a cost neutral basis.
The service costs Northern Beaches Council roughly $850,000 a year as of 2022, which is a significant increase from last year’s estimated cost of $700k.
However, Cr Menano-Pires withdrew the notion in May 2022 after three Councillors were absent from the chamber, stating that it’s not appropriate to proceed with matters not involving the entire council.
Photo credit: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Cr Kylie Ferguson has also agreed that they’ve got to look at how to spend the ratepayers’ money and that there is so much more to do with it.
“We are losing $1.8m a year and not many of us around this table are batting an eyelid over it. I find it quite sad, we could be doing so much more with the money,” Cr Ferguson said during a Council meeting last year.
Many residents are not happy about plans of stopping the service, with thousands having signed a petition to save the Hop Skip Jump.
“Our part here in Manly we would all be devastated if this iconic free bus service was stopped. Council funds many niche services that are not revenue neutral, indeed that is why we pay out rates, for Council to provide the services we need and contribute to our community in a positive way to keep us connected,” shared community organisation Manly Community Forum.
“I also believe it was not supposed to be completely free but was supposed to be a gold coin donation. I’m all for keeping it for the elderly people to use but maybe more people should be putting in the gold coin to slightly offset the cost,” said local Ian.
The Hop, Skip & Jump bus service was introduced back in 2006 when Stockland was being redeveloped. It was subsequently taken over by Manly Council.
Manly Lane Live, the pop-up bar and beer garden outside the quadrangle at Manly Library, has secured permission to continue operating for the next three years. Refurbishments will also be underway to increase patronage from 12 to more than 100 patrons.
Restaurateur Matt Clifton, the man who launched Manly Lane Live in the summer of 2021 with just 12 seats, said that this initiative was meant to boost the local economy post-COVID as the venue will collaborate with heaps of eateries. It has transformed a formerly underutilized public space into a dining precinct.
In line with its expansion to 100 seats, the site’s development application (DA2021/2065) proposed to upgrade facilities with more lights, furniture and waste management, including portable toilets. Custom-made caravan-style bars will also be fitted into the site.
Photo Credit: Development Application/NBC
Photo Credit: Development Application/NBC
Mr Clifton, who heads the Experience Manly tourism group as well, said that the venue will not encroach on other businesses in the area, amidst complaints from the tenants of the neighbouring commercial buildings. He acknowledged that Market Lane is a busy commercial district so live music performances will be played after work (6:00 p.m) so as not to distract office spaces.
Eateries that join the pop-up will open beginning 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, during breakfast or lunch, Mr Clifton said that people are still welcome to sit or lounge at the venue, thus becoming an urban park with options for eating and drinking.
Meanwhile, the Northern Beaches Council does not see any issues with the outdoor pop-up bar on the Manly Town Centre Conservation Area.
“The proposal seeks consent for use of space within Market Lane to continue a temporary pop up bar. The proposal includes some physical works such as new fencing, seating, trees, pergolas, stage and a caravan bar.
“Given the small-scale nature of the physical works it is considered to not impact upon the heritage items or the conservation area or their significance. Heritage also raises no objections to the use of the space as a bar. Therefore Heritage raises no objections and requires no conditions.”
Last 30 March 2022 marked the 70th death anniversary of Manly swimmer, Harry Hay, who competed at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. Discover his journey from being an Olympic medalist to becoming one of the most celebrated swimming coaches in Australia.
Born in 1893, Harry Maitland Hay was a member of the North Sydney Swimming Club. He won the NSW Junior 100-yard championship during its 1908-09 season. After serving in the military during WW1, Harry competed in the 1920 Olympic Games.
Whilst he didn’t win any medal in the individual 100-metre freestyle and 400-metre freestyle events, he however bagged the silver medal in the 4 × 200-metre freestyle relay. He was joined by Frank Beaurepaire, Ivan Steadman and Billy Herald in the Australian team that swam against the eventual gold medalist, the United States team. It was at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics where the first Australia-only Olympic team competed and won two silver medals and a bronze.
Harry Hay (third from left) joins surfboard legend and fellow Olympian, Duke Kahanamoku (slouching) at Boomerang Camp, Freshwater Photo Credit: Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club / freshwaterslsc.com
Upon his return, Harry won the Australian 100-yard championship in 1922, his lone national title. He would then transition into professional coaching, grooming some of Australia’s exceptional swimmers including Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton, Arthur Beard, Noel Ryan, Bill Kendall, Robin Biddulph, Warren Boyd, Garrick Agnew and Rex Aubrey
Harry attended each subsequent Olympic Games from 1924 to 1948 at his own expense, working as an unofficial swimming coach under the guise of a masseur, because at the time, the Olympic code prohibited the employment of professional coaches.
Although he was officially appointed as a massage therapist, the Australian team manager paid him $10 a week to train ‘Boy’ Charlton and Tom Boast. It was Charlton, however, who gave him his first taste of the limelight as a coach as the Charlton broke one record after another at the 1924, 1928 and 1932 Olympic Games, under Harry’s guidance.
A month before leaving for Helsinki to coach Australian Rex Aubrey, who would be competing at the 1952 Summer Olympics, he suffered a heart attack and died at age 59 in St Ronan’s Hospital, Manly. He was survived by his wife, Mary Thorp, whom he married in 1949.
Macquarie University-AUSMAP has released an interactive map showing the hotspots for microplastic pollution in Australia and Manly Cove is among the areas with high levels of microplastics pollution.
Macquarie University’s team of researchers have released an interactive map indicating the microplastic pollution hotspots around Australia based on data collected through the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP). The project aims to track where microplastics are coming from and engage communities and the government in tackling “the biggest threat to ocean wildlife, and the human food chain.”
“It’s hard to solve a problem you can’t see. So we’re putting microplastic pollution on the map!”
– AUSMAP
Photo Credit: AUSMAP / ausmap.org/hotspot-map
Their network of 700 volunteers has collected more than 3 million microplastic fragments from Australian shorelines to identify hotspots. These microplastics come from an estimated 12 million tonnes of plastics that find their way into our oceans every year which not only pose a threat to marine life but could potentially enter the food chain.
The interactive rates the density of microplastics via a six-point scale:
In Sydney, Manly Cove and Cook Park, Botany Bay showed very high levels of microplastic fragments with 4,051 and 1,039 per square metre, respectively.
“Monthly microplastic data, collected from Manly Cove by our Community Champion Ali, has shown that the levels and types vary not only spatially but also temporally,” the AUSMAP report said.
“Numbers spike after certain weather events but remain relatively consistent at moderate to high levels outside of these times. Not only do numbers vary but types of microplastic change over time.
“A trend of hard plastics dominating the warmer months and polystyrene foams are found more often in cooler months, which may suggest weather and catchment or water-based activities may be influencing factors.
AUSMAP Program Director, Dr Michelle Blewitt revealed that in a single sampling day conducted in Many Cove, their team was able to collect more than 1,200 microplastics per square metre.
“That’s a huge volume of microplastic in one location. By being able to identify where these hotspots are and engaging people to identify what microplastics are, we empower them to do something about it,” Dr Blewitt said.
Among the beaches where very low microplastic fragments were found include Brighton-Le-Sands, Dee Why, Tamarama, Bronte Beach and Maroubra.
The AUSMAP project recently won the Australian Museum 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science. AUSMAP is a project of Total Environment Centre in collaboration with Macquarie University,
Did you know that you can go on a tour of one of the most haunted places in Sydney, which can be found at the Q Station in North Head, near Manly?
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, their famous ghost tours will entertain you as you walk the site and discover intriguing stories about the place’s history.
The infamous Gravedigger’s Cottage, one of the key locations on the ghost tour, is a small cottage that has also been known as the Boatman’s Hut and the Cookhouse. It is thought to have been built for staff on the edge of the 3rd Class Precinct at Q Station and was dubbed as one of the earliest surviving structures of the old quarantine station.
Gravedigger’s Cottage (Photo credit: Quarantine Station Ghost Tours/Facebook)
The bathroom at Gravedigger’s Cottage has been argued as ‘Sydney’s most haunted bathroom.’ Ghost hunters, who attempted to communicate with the dead through a device called the spirit box, revealed there was a female presence in that certain room of Q Station. That female entity has been described as ‘weeping and sitting crouched in the bathtub.’
Besides the female ghost allegedly seen in the bathroom, another apparition, which was described as a man in a wide-brimmed hat and black cloak, is also often seen in the kitchen of the Gravedigger’s Cottage.
However, the most haunted part of the complex is not the bathroom or the kitchen, but the shower block. Back in the day, those who were sick reportedly took a shower containing 10 percent of carbonic acid to kill fleas and ticks in seconds. However, it took off a layer of their skin.
Bill Pelican, one of the previous visitors at Q Station, shared that although his group did not experience anything paranormal, there was definitely a very creepy vibe throughout their tour and stay at the Q station.
“There were several times that I wanted to leave certain locations due to the creepiness, but being in a group there is strength in numbers, so you do feel emboldened,” he shared.
Melinda Minns, a guide for the Q Station ghost tour, can attest to how many people experienced the same feeling during their tour. Because the energy in the rooms was so strong, people would just walk in there and know immediately that something bad has happened there.
The complex, also known as the North Head Quarantine Station, operated as a quarantine station from 1832 to 1984. During this period, migrant ships arriving in Sydney with suspected contagious disease stopped inside North Head and offloaded passengers and crew into quarantine to protect local residents. All travelers, even the healthy ones, needed to undergo quarantine for 40 days before being cleared to enter Sydney.
There were over 13,000 individuals, including convicts and free migrants to NSW and many Sydney residents, who were isolated at the complex whilst an estimated 572 have died and are buried there.
Photo credit: Q Station
When the maritime quarantine facility closed in 1984, the ownership of the Quarantine Station was transferred from the Commonwealth to the State Government and it was reserved as part of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Today, the former quarantine station remains part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and home to Q Station, which is made up of a hotel, conference centre, and restaurant complex.
Manly Warringah War Memorial, which includes Manly Dam, could finally be added to the State Heritage Register if the 2021 nomination for inclusion becomes successful.
In 2019, the Northern Beaches Council decided to nominate the park on the National Heritage List for its national significance as a war memorial but the nomination was unsuccessful.
This time, Council is seeking to gain heritage status for the war memorial park not just on a national level, but on a state level after putting it forward for the State Heritage Register as well. Although the dam is already on the State Heritage Register, the rest of the park is not yet included on the list.
Located at Curl Curl Creek, Manly Dam first opened in 1892 as a water supply dam for locals in the area. It was one of the only two ‘Independent Water Supply Schemes’ in the Sydney metropolitan area; the other was at Parramatta.
Manly Dam Wall shortly after construction, ca. 1890s (Photo credit: www.sydneywater.com.au)
Over the years, the dam wall was raised so that the reservoir could supply neighbouring suburbs, all the way up the coastal strip as far north as Mona Vale. But as the population grew, the dam’s capacity became insufficient and pumping from the dam ceased in 1933.
It was then recognised as a war memorial after the First World War. At the time, the park’s management was given to a group of ex-servicemen. Some parts of the park were named Gallipoli, Suvla Bay, and Anzac Cove during that time.
Photo credit: New South Wales War Memorials Register
The park was officially named Manly Warringah War Memorial Park in 1939. It houses two memorial monuments: the first is an unconventional, contemporary design with two standing columns and one column lying on the ground and a sphere on a low plinth near the water; whilst the other one is a polished grey granite plaque set upon two unpolished lighter coloured granite steps with an accompanying flagpole.
Photo credit: New South Wales War Memorials Register
If granted heritage status this time around, the memorial park will be placed alongside other heritage sites in the suburb, including the Manly Dam near King Street and the Manly Cove Pavilion at West Esplanade.
