If you’ve spent any time at Manly Beach — whether grabbing a coffee after a swim, watching the nippers on a Sunday morning, or walking along the promenade — you’ll know how central the Manly Surf Life Saving Club is to this place. It’s part of the landscape, both physically and culturally.
After years of planning and community consultation, Northern Beaches Council has now lodged the Development Application to rebuild the ageing club and create a new, purpose-built facility to serve everyone who loves Manly Beach.
It’s wonderful to see Manly’s surf club finally getting a fresh start. The old 1980s building has done its best, but it’s definitely showing its age. The new version will be a real boost — lighter, roomier and far more practical for the way we all use the beach now. From early swimmers and nippers to families and lifeguards, everyone will enjoy seeing this well-loved spot brought back to life.
After more than two years of consultation, investigation and design work, Northern Beaches Council has lodged a Development Application to replace the current Manly Surf Life Saving Club building with a new, purpose-built facility to support the more than 3.5 million visitors who enjoy Manly Beach each year.
The Development Application is seeking approval for:
- The demolition of the existing Surf Life Saving Club building.
- Site preparation and infrastructure works, including the removal of a small number of trees.
- The construction of a new three-storey club, within the same footprint as the current building.
On the ground floor, the plans include a central storage area for rescue and first aid equipment, boats and boards, an entry foyer facing the beach, a small kiosk, public toilets and change rooms, as well as a lifeguard storage area and additional amenities at the southern end.
On the first floor, there will be training rooms, a gym, an office, storerooms, a kitchen/bar and a large multi-purpose hall.
On the second floor, there will be lifeguard facilities and a club room with toilets.
The new plans reduce on-site parking from three spaces to two, with no enclosed or basement parking included in the design. The building itself will be slightly shifted north to avoid an existing sewer line, while the exterior takes subtle inspiration from the sandstone cliffs that define the Manly coastline.
Mayor Sue Heins said the proposal aims to create a modern, practical facility that works for everyone who uses the beach, while staying true to its natural and historical surroundings. She also noted that, although full funding isn’t yet in place, having an approved Development Application will open more opportunities to secure the grants needed to bring the project to life.
The Development Application will be reviewed by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel in due course.
In response to community and stakeholder feedback, several thoughtful changes have been made to the original design. These include improved accessibility for people with limited mobility, a wider walkway at the Marine Parade pinch point with extra undercover space on the beach side, better access for emergency vehicles, and a slight set-back of the upper floor against the cliff to give lifeguards a clearer view of the beach.
The Development Application will be assessed by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel. Full plans and supporting documents can be viewed on the Nothern Beaches Council Website, with community feedback open until 17 November.
https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/news/media-releases/new-era-manly-life-saving-club
It’s exciting to see progress being made on a building that plays such an important role in everyday life at Manly. The new facilities will be a welcome improvement for lifesavers, locals and visitors alike — a practical update for a place that’s always been part of the beach’s rhythm.
