Motorists visiting Manly CBD will be encouraged to choose nearby alternatives to the Whistler Street Carpark - or else to use public transport - while major repairs to the 48-year-old structure are underway from February 2019.

An upgrade to a bike-cage in the carpark will start in February while major concrete remediation works to the carpark slab edges and the installation of balustrades will commence in March.

There will be an estimated 25 percent loss in parking spaces at Whistler Street Carpark while the staged remediation work takes place.

Northern Beaches CEO Ray Brownlee said motorists are urged to check Council’s website which provides real-time parking-space availability for all Council-operated off-street, under-cover carparks.

“Whistler Street Carpark will remain operational; however, there will be impacts on parking and vehicular movements.

“During the work, Council recommends that residents, visitors and shoppers use our carparks in Central Avenue and Wentworth Street as parking options.

“The Manly National and Pacific Waves Carparks in Central Avenue will be undergoing lighting upgrades and structural works in coming months too so there may be some disruptions while that work is underway as well.

“However, the works on Council’s carparks have been timed to avoid the peak summer season.” Mr Brownlee said.

Council also recommends residents consider using public transport - including Council’s free Hop Skip and Jump Bus services to Manly via Fairy Bower, Kenneth Road and Manly Aquatic Centre, all of which interchange at Balgowlah Shopping Centre next to the Stockland Mall.

The remediation works will focus on areas where the concrete has deteriorated and includes the upgrade of the perimeter edge crash barriers.

“The new crash barriers and upgraded bike-cage should improve the overall appearance of the Whistler Street Carpark and make the parking experience for businesses, local residents and visitors better too”, said CEO Brownlee.

Works hours during the remediation and upgrade will be 7am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Saturday works may be approved if needed by Council.

The program of works is scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2019.