An $8-million renovation of the historic Hotel Steyne in Manly has been approved following a dispute over noise concerns.
Refurbishment Clears Legal Hurdle
The NSW Land and Environment Court has given the green light for Hotel Steyne’s planned $8-million redevelopment (DA2023/1750) in Manly. The approval follows a challenge over noise impacts raised by residents living near the pub’s outdoor areas.
The proposal, originally approved by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel in June 2024, had drawn 17 public submissions. Concerns focused on potential disturbances from patrons and live music events, particularly from the beer garden and other outdoor spaces.
Noise Measures Agreed Through Conciliation
In response to these objections, conditions were placed on the development application to control noise levels. These included restrictions to ensure no amplified sound or patron noise could be heard within any neighbouring residence at any time.
Pub owner Sam Arnaout appealed the conditions, leading to a conciliation conference with NBC. As part of the resolution presented to the court in February 2025, new noise mitigation measures were introduced. These include installing noise limiters in all outdoor spaces, placing acoustic panels on the northern wall of the beer garden, and treating doors, windows, and roofing materials to reduce sound transfer.
Earlier in April 2025, Commissioner Nicola Targett upheld the agreement, allowing the redevelopment to proceed.
Scope of Renovation
The renovation will update several parts of the Art Deco hotel, which was built in 1936 and stands at the beach end of The Corso. The approved works include:
- Restoration of the heritage Round Bar as a traditional saloon bar
- A new bar and new entry area on the ground floor
- Facade improvements with new windows, awnings, and doors
- Level 2 will see the existing bar removed and replaced with a new bar and bistro
- Addition of eight more visitor accommodation rooms upstairs
Planning documents stated the works would enhance the internal amenity and provide a modernised environment for patrons, while promoting Manly’s tourism economy.
Background and Ownership
Hotel Steyne has served the Manly community for more than a century. The original structure was built in 1859 by Henry Gilbert Smith and has undergone multiple rebuilds. The current version dates to the 1920s, with the Round Bar preserved as a central feature.
The property was acquired by Iris Capital, led by Sam Arnaout, for $65 million in 2019. A $3 million refurbishment was completed in 2020, which included new bars and hotel room upgrades.
In 2022, the site also received approval for a $16.2 million, four-storey apartment block attached to the pub’s northern side.
Community Concerns and Outcome
While the refurbishment plan attracted objections, no formal alternatives were presented. The court-approved resolution focused on balancing neighbourhood amenity with commercial operations.
The introduction of physical noise controls and monitoring systems addresses core concerns raised by residents, especially those in nearby apartments.
Next Steps
With court approval secured, construction work is expected to begin under the conditions agreed upon during the conciliation. The redevelopment will be monitored to ensure compliance with the new noise mitigation measures.
Published 3-May-2025
