A new chapter for the old Manly Aquarium

A new parkland for Sydney Harbour

How often do you get to create a new parkland on Sydney Harbour? The NSW Government is funding a $9 million enhancement of the former Manly Aquarium site. It is a terrific investment in our local area.

Upcoming projects

We are also funding a number of projects across the electorate, and construction is underway on many of them, including:

• Australia’s first hospice for young adults at the old Manly Hospital site
• Upgrading of the Scenic lookout at North Head
• a new boardwalk at Manly Dam

However, in addition to the above, I committed to progressing activity at the former Aquarium site. This includes commencing an effective community consultation process to determine what will deliver the best and most public benefit for the site. 

The NSW Government is planning two separate projects to improve the accessibility to, and along, the Cove for all people including those with assisted and unassisted mobility needs. The two projects involve an upgrade to Manly Wharf 3 and enhancing the former Aquarium site.

Manly Cove is an iconic and locally significant place. People and vessels have been part of Manly accessing the Cove by sea for centuries. The aquarium was purpose built in the 1960s, and housed marine life until it was closed in 2018.

A once in a generation opportunity to create more public open space on the Harbour…

It is a rarity to be able to create additional public open space on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. It is an idea worth fighting for which is why I am so pleased with the concept designs and funding to back it up. 

Fundamentally there are three potential options. One, adaptively re-use the old structure. Two, demolish the old structure and build something in its place. Three, demolish the old structure and create a multi-use public space. 

Any open space should unblock the view of the State Heritage listed Pavilion, be a place for families and the community to use and add to the amenity of our harbour. Ideally, the area should allow for the holding of events, markets, performances and be accessible by boat.

By creating green, public open space on the foreshore we will also reactivate the lower level of the Pavilion and Art Gallery area, creating a new area for locals and tourists to enjoy. I look forward to the community engagement and delivering a project that we can all be proud of and enjoy.

Is the historical ‘Boardwalk’ included in this project?

No it is not. The concept of the boardwalk is a different project and belongs to the Northern Beaches Council. Council reports estimate the construction cost of the boardwalk is approximately $14 million. Now that the future of the Aquarium site is being determined, the opportunity for the boardwalk to be reinstated can be fully considered by the Northern Beaches Council. 

Next steps…

Over the next few months we will be engaging with key stakeholders and the community to seek feedback on the former Sea Life site designs. A number of important environmental factors will be considered, and they will help determine the next steps. You can keep up to date with the project via my website jamesgriffinmp.com.

With this being the first edition of the famous Tawny Frogmouth for 2022, I wish you all the best for the year ahead! It has been an enormous privilege to represent you in the NSW Parliament in 2021, and I will continue to work hard for you and deliver outcomes in 2022.