community - 2026-05-27

Manly Life Saving Club redevelopment DA lodged, but funding gap still blocks start

Source: www.manlycommunityforum.com

Northern Beaches Council has lodged a development application for a $19.85 million redevelopment of the Manly Life Saving Club, but has also indicated the project cannot proceed to construction until all funding is in place — a hurdle that remains unresolved.

Northern Beaches Council has lodged a development application for a $19.85 million redevelopment of the Manly Life Saving Club, but has also indicated the project cannot proceed to construction until all funding is in place — a hurdle that remains unresolved. The application, DA2025/1424, is described as demolition and construction of a community facility, an indoor recreation facility and a kiosk. It comes after years of planning around a site that has long been regarded as inadequate for access and day-to-day use by council-employed lifeguards and club members. The redevelopment has been in the works for more than a decade. In 2014, the club secured development approval after a protracted Land and Environment Court process that required a reduction in the proposed building height, but the project did not proceed because there was not enough money to start. At that time, some funding was contributed by members and the State Government, and a lease with the former Manly Council allowed the club to retain kiosk and hall hire income to support rebuilding. However, control of bookings and fees for community spaces at North Steyne and Queenscliff surf clubs remained with Manly...