The challenges of COVID lockdowns thankfully seem an eternity ago. During that time and for a considerable period after, many of our local businesses shut their doors and some never re-opened. So, after a big effort by the Manly Tourism and Economic Recovery Taskforce, which I set up during COVID, it is terrific to see our local businesses having a renaissance. In a few months there have been some welcome and exciting new additions.
1. Venice Manly (Sydney Road)
2. Calibrate Coffee (Whistler Street)
3. Manly Boatshed (Bolingbroke Parade, Fairlight)
4. Goodradigbee Distillers (Brookvale)
5. Recoverie (Manly)
6. And the soon to open Henry G’s wine bar.
The other interesting evolution is the increase in professional services firms that are either providing a hybrid or complete office operation in Manly. Gone are the days of Manly being a ‘one trick pony’.
A combination of eateries, cafes, professional services and creative businesses is exactly the right mix we need to develop a long term sustainable local economy, one that is not reliant on millions of tourists over summer, but instead functions year-round to the benefit of visitors and locals alike.
Urban myth has it that outdoor dining fees paid by local cafes in Manly are as expensive as those in Circular Quay, making it prohibitive and high risk for local businesses to provide al fresco dining options. Under the previous Coalition Government many draconian hospitality rules and regulations were removed during COVID, allowing for some flexibility in how our open and public spaces were governed. In some areas the balance was right, in others not so much.
The Council is currently seeking feedback on the Manly Place Plan – essentially the vision for Manly, how it looks, how it feels and how it should evolve. I encourage you to check it out on their website. Key will be moving from a plan to a funded project.
Authorised by James Griffin MP. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.
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