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Manly Corso Property Listed for Guzman y Gomez Development Proposal

Photo Credit: DA2026/0741

A prominent Manly Corso property could be fitted out for Guzman y Gomez under a development application now under assessment for the ground-floor tenancy at 1/21-23 The Corso.

The application, DA2026/0741, was submitted on 10 June 2026 and is on exhibition from 24 June 2026 to 8 July 2026. The proposed works have an estimated value of $521,510.

The proposal seeks approval for use of the premises as a business premises, with the tenancy proposed to operate as a Guzman y Gomez takeaway food and drink premises. The works would include internal alterations, shopfront changes, signage and new mechanical plant.

Manly Corso property frontage — *Photo Credit: DA2026/0741*

Fitout Planned for Manly Corso Tenancy

The proposed fitout would cover 186 square metres of ground-floor space.

Plans for the customer area include service counters, a bin location, a salsa station and 15 internal seats. Back-of-house areas would include a kitchen, wash-up area, office, storage spaces, waste storage, dry store, freezer and coolroom.

The application also lists a cooking area and associated equipment, including a cook line, café station, fries station and mechanical ventilation.

Proposed Guzman y Gomez tenancy — *Photo Credit: DA2026/0741*

Shopfront Changes Proposed on the Corso

The development would alter the ground-floor frontage of the Manly Corso property, with walnut-coloured cladding, new fixed and sliding glazing, and a range of illuminated signs.

The signage package includes Guzman y Gomez branding on the awning fascia and window, a Cape Hola wall sign, an app and delivery pick-up sign, two under-awning signs and branded graphic treatments, including mural-style glazing decals.

New mechanical plant and ducting are also proposed as part of the works.

Ground-floor shopfront on The Corso — *Photo Credit: DA2026/0741*

Daily Trading Listed From 6am to 3am

The premises is proposed to trade from 6am to 3am, seven days a week.

The application also includes alcohol sales, which would be handled through a separate on-premises liquor licence process. Any restrictions on alcohol sales would be managed through that process.

Goods deliveries and waste collection would take place from Market Lane at the rear of the site. No off-street parking is proposed, and the existing loading arrangements would remain unchanged.

Heritage Setting Retained Above Ground Level

The property forms part of a shop-top housing development, with retail space at ground level and residential units above.

The site is identified as a local heritage item, listed as a group of commercial buildings, and sits within the Town Centre Conservation Area. The building is described in the application material as a stripped Art Deco commercial building from the early twentieth century.

The ground-floor shopfront has been extensively altered over time, with no original shopfront fabric remaining. The proposed works would not increase the building height or floor space ratio, and the finished floor level would not change.

A noise assessment lodged with the proposal predicts operational noise would comply with relevant criteria for nearby residential and non-residential receivers during daytime, evening and night periods.

DA2026/0741 remains under assessment.

Published 26-June-2026

Andre de Ruyter Back On Board After Manly Shark Attack

Photo Credit: Lisa De/Facebook

Manly shark survivor Andre de Ruyter has returned to the water at Narrabeen Ocean Pool months after a bull shark attack left him critically injured and led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

Manly Shark Survivor Returns To The Water

Andre de Ruyter has returned to the water months after being attacked by a bull shark while surfing at North Steyne Beach in Manly.

A video shared by his mother, Lisa, shows de Ruyter paddling on a surfboard through Narrabeen Ocean Pool, with family nearby and his dog Luna also close to him.

The footage shows the musician and surfer moving through the ocean pool with steady paddling after months of treatment and rehabilitation following the Manly attack.

The return to the water marks a clear step in de Ruyter’s recovery after the injuries that left him fighting for his life.

Rescue Effort At North Steyne Beach

De Ruyter was attacked about 6:20 pm on 19 January at North Steyne Beach and suffered severe lower leg injuries before fellow surfers pulled him from the water.

Emergency treatment began on the beach, where surf lifesavers, bystanders and medical responders helped keep him alive. A tourniquet was applied and CPR was performed after he went into cardiac arrest.

Surf lifesavers had been conducting CPR and first aid training at North Steyne Surf Club when the attack happened, allowing responders and equipment to reach him quickly.

An off-duty ambulance doctor at the beach also assisted before de Ruyter was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.

During the trip to hospital, additional blood was delivered to support urgent transfusions. De Ruyter received 13 units of blood while being transported.

Manly shark survivor — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

Recovery After The Manly Attack

Doctors later amputated de Ruyter’s right leg below the knee because of the extent of his injuries.

His family later said he had survived the attack and had moved off life support, with doctors seeing positive signs while warning that his recovery would take time.

The family sought support for prosthetics, rehabilitation and other care needed after the amputation. They also thanked first responders, medical teams and friends for the help received after the attack.

In an update on 28 April, the family said de Ruyter was being discharged from hospital. Support from donations and fundraising nights had helped the family arrange wheelchair-accessible accommodation near rehabilitation facilities.

The family also said funds would help cover daily physiotherapy and other support aimed at helping de Ruyter rebuild his strength.

Andre de Ruyter — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

Narrabeen Ocean Pool Marks New Step

The recent footage at Narrabeen Ocean Pool shows de Ruyter back on a board and moving through the water again.

His return follows months of recovery from the Manly shark attack, which was attributed to a bull shark after a 15-centimetre bite mark was found on his surfboard.

The attack was among several shark incidents reported around the same period, including cases at Dee Why Point, Vaucluse and Point Plomer.

For de Ruyter, the latest footage centres on rehabilitation and a return to the water after the loss of his lower right leg.

Published 25-June-2026

Northern Beaches Authorities Back Faster Removal Of Unsafe LimeBikes

Photo Credit: Pexels

Manly LimeBikes could face tighter local management after NBC backed calls for stronger powers to remove unsafe or dumped share bikes from footpaths, roads, driveways and other public spaces.

Manly LimeBikes Face Push For Faster Removal Powers

NBC has backed a move to strengthen how unsafe or dumped LimeBikes are managed across the area, following concerns about bikes obstructing footpaths, cycleways and community spaces.

At its 16 June 2026 meeting, authorities considered a motion on managing the impacts of dumped LimeBikes. The motion sought action on public safety and amenity concerns, including bikes left across footpaths, roads, driveways, cycleways and other shared areas.

The motion also called for the finalisation of the Road Transport and Other Legislation Amendment (Micromobility Vehicles and Smartcards) Bill 2025 and supporting regulations. The proposed framework would provide a clearer process for managing shared micromobility schemes, including where vehicles can operate and where they can be parked.

Authorities also supported seeking appropriate fees for operators using public land, along with recovery of costs linked to managing micromobility vehicles.

Current Rules Require Three Hours’ Notice

Authorities already have powers under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 to collect bikes in certain circumstances, including when they are blocking a footpath, road or entry.

However, the current process requires at least three hours’ notice to be given to the operator before authorities can act.

The motion sought stronger powers to manage and impound micromobility vehicles such as LimeBikes, including the ability to remove unsafe items immediately where there is an imminent risk to public safety or the environment.

Authorities also moved to begin compliance action within their existing regulatory powers to address LimeBikes obstructing public places across the Northern Beaches local government area.

Rollout Reaches Beyond Manly

Lime launched LimeBikes in Manly in April 2026 before extending distribution to nearby suburbs including Balgowlah, Dee Why and Brookvale. Bikes have also appeared around other parts of the Northern Beaches, with the rollout occurring without the need for approval under the current rules.

The arrival of the bikes has provided another option for short local trips, but the service should not come at the cost of local amenity or the safety of people using public spaces.

The NBC was told there were about 500 to 600 LimeBike journeys on the Northern Beaches each day.

Rangers have also increased monitoring of bikes left in unsafe locations and bikes being ridden in exclusion zones, including along The Corso. Lime had been issued six notices to remove bikes.

Lime Says Parking Checks Are In Place

Lime says it has measures to reduce poor parking and safety hazards across its share bike network.

The company requires riders to park vehicles appropriately and away from pedestrian paths. Riders must also submit a photo of the parked bike at the end of a trip, with an AI-enabled tool used to check whether the vehicle has been left correctly before the ride can be completed.

Lime says it also has on-street operations teams to collect misparked vehicles.

Riders who repeatedly park bikes incorrectly can face penalties, including fines, suspension and removal from the platform.

The motion was carried, leaving the next step focused on stronger rules for managing shared bikes where they obstruct public spaces or create safety concerns.

Published 18-June-2026

Major Rescue Ends Tragically After Spearfishing Incident at North Head

iStock

A man in his 40s believed to be a US national has died after being pulled unconscious from the water between Blue Fish Point and Shelly Beach at North Head, where he had been spearfishing with a companion when the pair were caught in a rip.

The incident unfolded just before 3pm on 16 June 2026, when bystanders on the headland heard cries for help coming from the water on the eastern side of North Head, near Shelly Beach in Manly. The man’s companion, a 20-year-old, raised the alarm after the older man lost consciousness. Those on shore called Triple Zero, triggering a major emergency response.

Lifeguards from Manly Beach reached the two men by jet ski near Blue Fish Point, finding the older man unresponsive and not breathing. They rescued both men and brought them ashore at Shelly Beach.

The response that came from sea and air

The rescue brought together multiple emergency services. NSW Police Marine Area Command, Northern Beaches Police Area Command officers, five NSW Ambulance crews including a Special Operations Paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedics and a supervisor, the Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Fire and Rescue NSW Manly Station all responded.

The first ambulance crews were waiting on Shelly Beach as lifeguards brought the unconscious man ashore just before 3.15pm. Paramedics confirmed he had no pulse and worked to resuscitate him on the beach.

The Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter dropped an aeromedical team directly onto the beach before landing at Manly Oval. Firefighters assisted in carrying the man off the sand.

Resuscitation efforts on the beach were successful, with paramedics and the medical team restoring a pulse. The man was transported by road to Northern Beaches Hospital in a critical condition just before 3.45pm, accompanied by the aeromedical team. He died in hospital shortly afterwards.

NSW Police confirmed the death just after 6pm. The man is yet to be formally identified. Investigations are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A section of coast that demands respect

The waters around North Head and Shelly Beach are among the most beautiful on the northern beaches, drawing swimmers, divers and spearfishers to their clear conditions and rich marine life. They are also among the more demanding. The headland’s exposed eastern face generates strong and unpredictable rip currents, particularly in winter swell conditions, and the area has seen a number of serious water incidents over recent years.

Spearfishing in the ocean requires significant physical exertion, breath control and situational awareness. Diving alone or in pairs in areas with rip current activity carries elevated risk, and conditions can change quickly around headlands exposed to open ocean swell.

NSW Water Safety recommends spearfishers always dive with a buddy, carry a dive flag, wear a brightly coloured wetsuit or float, and check conditions carefully before entering the water. In an emergency on or near the water, call Triple Zero on 000.

Published 18-June-2026

Royal Coach Maker’s Manly Apartment Sells $400k Above Guide

Photo Credit: McGrath Manly

A top-floor apartment belonging to royal coach builder Jim Frecklington has sold in Manly for well above what anyone expected, just as it was about to go under the hammer.

The three-bedroom unit, perched on the top floor of Elizabeth Towers with views over Manly Harbour, had originally been guided at $2.6 million. Interest from buyers was strong enough that the price guide was bumped up to $2.7 million before an offer came in that made an auction unnecessary altogether.

Selling agent Susie O’Brien of McGrath Manly would not be drawn on the exact sale price, but other sources have indicated the apartment ultimately changed hands for around $3 million — a full $400,000 above the original guide. In a property market that has had its share of challenges lately, that kind of result stands out.

The new owners aren’t local. They’re understood to be from outside the area and plan to use the apartment as a holiday letting property and occasional short-term base, drawn no doubt by its position overlooking the harbour.

It’s easy to see the appeal. The apartment at 20/81 West Esplanade comes with a generous wraparound balcony, an open-plan kitchen, two bedrooms with built-in storage and a third room that could serve as a bedroom or study. There are no shared walls with neighbouring units, a full bathroom plus a separate powder room, lift access, and — notably — it’s the only apartment on its floor.

For Frecklington, the sale closes a chapter on a Manly home with sweeping views, but his name remains tied to some of the most recognisable carriages in royal history.

He built the ornate Australian State Coach back in 1988 as a Bicentennial gift from Australia to the Crown. That coach later carried Prince William and Catherine during their 2011 wedding procession.

He went on to create the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, a six-horse carriage built in his Sydney workshop and assembled with more than 100 historical artefacts spanning almost a thousand years of British history. It marked the first state coach of its kind ever assembled outside the United Kingdom. That coach carried King Charles and Queen Camilla to their coronation in 2023.

Frecklington is now putting the finishing touches on yet another carriage, known as the King’s Coach, which is being built with the help of a small team at a workshop on Sydney’s northern beaches. The coach was blessed in a ceremony held in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in the build.

In recognition of his decades of craftsmanship and service, the late Queen Elizabeth II awarded Frecklington the Royal Victorian Order — an honour he has described as deeply personal.

Published 17-June-2026

Quick-Thinking Council Worker Saves Injured Rottweiler Dumped in Manly Public Bin

A routine rubbish collection in Manly turned into a lifesaving rescue mission when a local council worker discovered a severely wounded Rottweiler discarded inside a public wheelie bin like common trash.

The alarming find occurred just after 4 a.m. on June 11 at Keirle Park, when Northern Beaches Council Litter Bin Officer Glenn Ballard was emptying the public bins. Ballard noted that one particular bin felt unusually heavy and strange, prompting him to pull it out of the dark and into the light. Upon flipping the lid, he saw the young male dog staring back at him in complete silence, showing absolutely no signs of panic despite his terrifying ordeal.

Recognising the high risk of handling a potentially traumatised and abused animal, the council worker acted cautiously to secure the dog. Ballard used food to gently coax the timid Rottweiler out of the dirty container and safely into a towel.

The sanitary worker explained that his deep fondness for dogs, particularly Rottweilers, compelled him to step up in a dangerous situation, expressing his belief that anyone else in the neighbourhood would have done exactly the same thing.

The dog was urgently transported to the SASH 24/7 veterinary clinic in Balgowlah for immediate medical assessment. Clinic staff confirmed the animal was in a very poor physical state, suffering from malnourishment and severely overgrown nails.

Veterinarian Tim Hopkins noted that the situation was horrific and highly unusual for the area, pointing out that the docile pup was covered in both fresh wounds and older, unhealed injuries, which included a deep gash on the right side of its body.

Animal welfare inspectors from RSPCA NSW have since taken official custody of the Rottweiler, confirming the animal is now in a stable condition while receiving ongoing veterinary treatment. The organisation has launched a formal animal cruelty investigation to figure out exactly how the dog ended up abandoned in the park. Investigators are urging members of the public to come forward with any relevant information, particularly anyone who might have neighbourhood security footage that could lead to answers.

Published Date 16-June-2026

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Manly Included in Growing Concerns Over Eggs Thrown at Cars Across Northern Beaches

A community report alleging a group of boys on bikes were carrying eggs near Coles on Wentworth Street has added Manly to growing concerns about dangerous behaviour targeting motorists across the Northern Beaches. The report surfaced days before Northern Beaches Police publicly warned that throwing eggs, rocks and water balloons at moving vehicles could lead to serious consequences.

Police Respond to Reports Across the Northern Beaches

Local police are cracking down on a dangerous trend of youths throwing eggs, rocks, and water balloons at moving vehicles, warning that the behavior is a serious crime, not a harmless prank.

The warning follows months of growing community concern regarding large groups of teenagers gathering around skate parks, shopping precincts, and popular local hangouts during evening hours.

Northern Beaches Police Area Command Superintendent John Duncan stated that officers are currently investigating multiple reports, with a heavy focus on community awareness and prevention.

The Real Danger: Crashes and Confrontations

Police emphasise that the risk extends far beyond minor property damage. The primary danger is the unpredictable reaction of a startled driver. A sudden swerve, harsh braking, or temporary loss of concentration can easily trigger a serious crash involving other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Furthermore, authorities reported several volatile incidents where drivers stopped their cars after being hit, leading to direct confrontations between motorists and groups of young people.

A Call to Parents and Witnesses

With investigations ongoing, Northern Beaches Police are urging parents to step in and have serious conversations with their children about the severe legal penalties and physical consequences of these actions.

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Police Command/Facebook

Can you help? Police are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of these incidents to contact local authorities immediately.

Published 15-June-2026

A Manly Icon Moves On: The Pantry Set to Relocate as Beachfront Site Gets New Lease of Life

One of Manly Beach’s most recognisable dining landmarks is preparing to close its doors on the beachfront, with The Pantry Manly set to relocate elsewhere in the suburb as its long-held site lease passes to new operators.

Read: Shelly Beach Residents Take on The Boathouse Over Licence Shake-Up

Owners Sean and Zeynep Blasdall confirmed the move, saying they are in the process of securing a new Manly location and are excited to share more details soon. In a reassuring sign for loyal regulars, the couple say their full team will be making the move with them.

The beachfront site itself, a heritage building dating to 1919 that has served the Manly community as a tea house, change rooms, information kiosk and, since 1997, a restaurant, will not be sitting idle for long. Northern Beaches hospitality duo Shahid Rahman and Anna Walker have been announced as the successful tenderers for a new long-term lease on the property.

The pair, who met while working at the Sebel Manly and have since built a reputation on the Northern Beaches, will rebrand the venue as The Beach House Manly, reviving its former identity as Manly Ocean Beach House. Their new lease, running on a 10-plus-five-year term, kicks off on 1 October 2026, at which point renovation works are slated to begin with the goal of opening in time for the summer season.

For Rahman, the project carries a personal significance that goes well beyond business. He was part of the original launch team when The Pantry opened in November 2010, working alongside founder Hasan Erman for over a decade across what was, for a time, one of the largest hospitality operations in Manly. Rahman has described the opportunity as a chance to bring the venue full circle, crediting Erman’s mentorship as foundational to his career in hospitality.

Walker, speaking about the vision for the new venue, said the pair see the site as one of the finest dining locations in the country, and are focused on making it feel genuinely welcoming and accessible to the local community. Their concept is designed to span the full day — from early morning trade through to late-evening happy hours, and is described as an elevated version of their current operation, offering full table service and a smart dining experience.

From Curl Curl to Manly: A Beachfront Portfolio Takes Shape

Photo credit: Google Maps/Lucy Quartermain

That current operation is The Beach Eatery at South Curl Curl, which the pair launched after selling their Balgowlah restaurant Fish Face in 2024. The Beach Eatery has found strong footing with the local community, and Walker has cited its warm reception as a key factor in giving the pair the confidence to take on a second beachfront venue.

To support both locations, Rahman and Walker have secured a prep kitchen and storage space on Howard Avenue in Dee Why, in the former Olive and Peel site, with a small bakehouse also being considered as a longer-term possibility at that address.

The new venue will also look to expand its footprint, with the operators flagging plans to open a kiosk on the opposite side of the lifeguard facilities attached to the building. The building itself sits above public amenities that are managed separately and not part of the incoming lease.

Read: Lost in a Storm, Found on Manly Beach: The Extraordinary Tale of the Vincennes

The Pantry has been a fixture on the Manly beachfront since its opening in 2010. The business changed ownership at the end of 2016, with the Blasdalls among those who have continued its reputation as a go-to for locals and visitors. While no firm details have been announced yet about where The Pantry will reopen, the Blasdalls have confirmed they are committed to staying in Manly and retaining their staff.

Published 12-June-2026

High-Density Living Waves into Manly Beach with 37-Apartment Renewal Project

Developer Lindsay Bennelong plans to demolish a cluster of older properties near the southern end of Manly Beach to build a massive $71.6 million apartment complex that utilises state planning incentives to exceed standard local height limits by including dedicated homes for frontline workers.

Transforming the Neighbourhood Footprint

apartment — *Photo Credit:* *DA2026/0523*

The proposed development, located at 17 to 25 Ashburner Street, sits snugly between the southern end of Manly Beach and East Manly Cove. The project involves knocking down four existing houses and 10 older apartments to make way for a much larger, high-density residential space.

This complete redesign will significantly increase the housing capacity of the specific site, jumping from just 25 existing bedrooms up to 94 bedrooms. These will be spread across 37 new apartments, offering a mixture of one, two, and three-bedroom layouts to suit different types of households.

Utilising Incentives for Affordable Housing

Because the location is exactly within a 400-metre walking distance of the Manly town centre, it falls under specific state planning rules for low to mid-rise housing zones. The standard height limit for this area is usually restricted to 22 metres. However, the developer has qualified for a 30% height increase. They secured this bonus by reserving nine of the new apartments strictly as affordable housing.

This extra allowance pushes the maximum allowable building height to 28.6 metres, a limit the eight-storey design uses completely to maximise the number of homes on the block.

Dedicated Homes for Frontline Workers

The nine affordable units are specifically aimed at supporting frontline workers, making it easier for essential staff to live close to their workplaces. The developer is currently collaborating with a local community housing provider to ensure the rental prices for these specific apartments are heavily reduced. Usually, affordable housing requires rents to be capped at 20% below the regular market rate, but the team behind this project aims to push the cost well below that standard benchmark.

Coastal Design and Modern Additions

Platform Architects designed the new complex to blend nicely with the local environment, featuring a wave-like indentation along the building’s facade to mirror the nearby ocean. People living in the building will share a dedicated wellness facility equipped with a sauna and a gym, alongside generous private outdoor spaces.

The property will also feature a full-time building manager’s office and two levels of underground basement parking with room for 76 cars, which includes nine parking spaces set aside specifically for visitors. The formal development application is currently waiting for its public exhibition period to be determined, with the entire project estimated to finish in early 2031.

Published Date 12-June-2026

A Ferris Wheel Is Coming to Manly Beach for the First Time

@manlyaustralia/Instagram

A 25-metre Ferris wheel is coming to Manly Beach as the headline attraction of this year’s Rise Manly winter festival, marking the first time a Ferris wheel has appeared on the suburb’s ocean beachfront.

The wheel will operate from 19 to 28 June opposite the Corso, giving riders panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean. Tickets cost $10 per person or $35 for a family of four, with no booking required.

The Ferris wheel, owned and operated by DM Entertainment, opens daily and runs until 28 June. Sunday to Thursday sessions run from 10am to 9.30pm, while Friday and Saturday sessions extend to 10pm.

Manly has had a Ferris wheel before — just not here

The ocean beachfront distinction matters. Manly’s last Ferris wheel stood on the other side of the peninsula entirely.

*Photo Credit: @manlyaustralia/Instagram*

The Manly Fun Pier, built at Manly Wharf on the harbour side, operated from around 1931 and became a landmark that defined the cove’s skyline for more than half a century.

Its Ferris wheel, skating rink, carnival rides and amusement attractions drew generations of visitors arriving by ferry, and the pier’s outline became as familiar to Manly residents as the beach itself. The Fun Pier closed and was demolished in 1989 following years of decline.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council Library*

The beachfront wheel arriving this June is not a replacement in any formal sense. But for a suburb where amusement attractions once defined how visitors experienced arrival, having a Ferris wheel visible from the sand and the Corso connects the present to a chapter of Manly history that has been absent for nearly four decades.

The rest of Rise Manly

The beachfront Ferris wheel headlines this year’s Rise Manly, running for 10 days alongside the festival’s wider winter program. Live street performances, light installations, a silent disco tour and ski-themed parties are scheduled throughout the run.

A projection installation will light up the facade of the historic Manly Town Hall, while the surface of the Corso transforms into a light canvas after dark, with a nod to Vivid’s influence on Sydney’s winter events calendar.

Food and drink experiences include a fondue and wine event at Henry G’s and winter-themed menus across participating restaurants and cafes. The Ice Cold Classic, a one-kilometre ocean swim from Manly to Shelly Beach marking the winter solstice, also runs during the festival as a fundraiser for people in need.

Local shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and fitness and wellness businesses are participating with their own events and specials throughout the festival.

Getting there and tickets

The Ferris wheel is on the Manly Beachfront, opposite the Corso. Manly is accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, by bus, or on foot from Manly Wharf. Tickets are $10 per person or $35 for a family of four. No booking required — purchase onsite. Group and event packages are available on request.

Full Rise Manly program details can be viewed here.

Published 10-June-2026