The grandstand at Manly Oval, colloquially known as the ‘Flying Saucer’ because of the design of its roof, may be demolished to allow the construction of a new grandstand in the location.
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It’s part of the draft Masterplan and Plan of Management for Ivanhoe Park which proposes replacing the grandstand with something a “little less dominant.” In their proposal, the Northern Beaches Council wanted to build a new grandstand which would be designed to blend in with the park rather than being the dominant feature of the park.
It would also accommodate a clubhouse, food and beverage facilities, public toilets, seating equivalent to existing grandstand, improved unisex change rooms, storage and indoor cricket nets and training facility.
Built in 2011, the grandstand forms part of the 150-year-old heritage-listed reserve along with the oval, bowling club and tennis courts as well as the Botanic gardens.
Building a new grandstand is estimated to cost up to $20 million. To go ahead with their plans, the council would have to ask the NSW and Federal Government for help in terms of funding.
Following an online community survey and a second working group meeting, a public exhibition is scheduled in July 2021 to allow submissions regarding the draft document.
About Manly Oval
Manly Oval is a sporting ground primarily used for cricket and rugby union and serves as the home ground for the Manly Marlins and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club. It has also previously been used to host National Rugby Championship games as a home ground for the Sydney Rays. The grandstand, located next to Manly Tennis Centre, has undercover seating for 2,000 people with a total capacity of 5,000.
