Things are happening at the old Manly Hospital site, where a community health-based redevelopment now seems to be locked in. It’s great news and allays any fears that the precious site will be sold off to developers.

Stakeholders, including Property NSW, NSW Health, Northern Sydney Local Health District and community representatives are developing a concept master plan to convert the site to a “health and well-being precinct”. The focus is to encourage suitable health-related enterprises, neighbourhood-scale shops and food and drink outlets. There will be a mix of open and community spaces, and heritage buildings on site will be adaptively re-used.

Local State MP James Griffin, who has strongly supported the health-based redevelopment of the site, recently said the project was “full steam ahead”, and now “well and truly beyond the point of no return”. James said “The planning proposal will be lodged with the Council likely next week. At which point it will be in the hands of Northern Beaches Council and put on public exhibition. This shouldn’t generate any delays or hold up. In parallel to the lodgement, the Property NSW team will work on the market sounding”.

Plans are also progressing well for the Adolescent & Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), which is now fully-funded. James said that after receiving feedback from the User Group, the Government would make an announcement on funding and construction of the hospice “by Christmas.”

James also mentioned that he would like to present to the Forum, which would include a general Q and A discussion. COVID rules are being revised, and so perhaps he can be the first ‘in person’ speaker?

WE HOPE TO HAVE A DECEMBER MEETING AT MANLY YACHT CLUB, AS LONG AS IT’S SAFE.