Northern Beaches Council is calling for community feedback on a draft plan to improve and celebrate the cultural and environmental significance of Manly’s West Esplanade.

The draft Manly West Esplanade Heritage Activation Plan aims to guide improvements to the area over four years, reflecting the area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage and natural environment, including endangered Fairy Penguins, sea grasses and Whites Seahorses.

Recommended initiatives in the first twelve months include improvements to street furniture, lighting and landscaping and a recommendation to the state government to demolish the former aquarium building and return the area to public open space.

Other actions proposed over four years include providing better signage to highlight the significance of the area, consideration of public artworks, improvements to the amenities, bike parking, seating and family friendly spaces under the Norfolk Pines.

The draft Plan recommends waiting for a determination on the former aquarium and completion of other works prior to deciding to progress with further consultation work required for investigating the reinstatement of the Manly Pool boardwalk which would be subject to securing funding.

Mayor Michael Regan said that the development of the draft Plan was prompted by the recent closure of the Manly Aquarium on land owned by the NSW Government.

“The closure of the Manly Aquarium sparked a community conversation about the future of the old purpose-built building and of the many other attractions of West Esplanade,” Mayor Michael Regan said.

“One thing our community has told us they’d like to see the aquarium building demolished to create a better vista through to the heritage listed Manly Pavilion building and the Manly Art Gallery and Museum and provide more public open space.

“This is one of the proposals we’d love more feedback on during the exhibition period.

“The national significance of Manly West Esplanade cannot be understated and we want to better capture and celebrate that.

“It was been great to have the conversations with the community about what they love about this area, hear them share their stories of growing up here and get their ideas on how we can improve the space while maintaining its cultural and heritage values.”

The Manly West Heritage Activation Plan has been funded by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and is on exhibition from 31 Aug – 29 September in Council offices, libraries, Manly Art Gallery and Museum and Community Centres. You can also provide feedback via Council’s Your Say page.