Remember Manly2015 and the oval car park? Well, here we go again, Northern Beaches Council, proclaimed in May 2016 took 2 years to create the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2018-2028 known as Shape 2028 and now as part of the cascading plans the Manly Place Plan hopes to offer a clear vision and guide for future planning in the Manly Strategic Centre.

Council documents say the focus will be on the community’s connection to place, building on knowledge and priorities outlined in several existing planning studies and strategic documents. A Night Time economy study for Manly will also be carried out as part of the process.

The Manly Place Plan Project Working Group (PWG) will be established to provide a forum for 15 residents and representatives from various interest groups to discuss and express their views during three meetings over the 6 months of the development of the Manly Place Plan.

The draft Place Plan will be exhibited by early 2022.

This Manly Place Plan is critical to determining the identity of the Manly CDB and immediate area. We have seen the slow removal of the remnants of ‘old Manly’ with the replacement of the teal blue benches and picnic tables, the flying of the Northern Beaches Council logo flags at the end of the Corso on the beachfront, as well as the disappearance of Manly’s iconic Food and Wine and the Jazz Festivals. Renewal and progress are necessary but Manly should be recognisable and identifiable.

The co chair of the Manly Community Forum will be participating in this PWG and we will provide updates as the discussions progress. Let us know via email if you have any points or issues you would like considered in this plan.