Outdoor seating at iconic Manly cafe Rollers Bakehouse is once again in Council cross hairs, with a narrow 7-6 majority voting for the outdoor seating to be removed.
A rescission motion by independent councillor Vincent De Luca, however, means the seating will remain until at least next council meeting and the vote potentially revisited. There were two councillors missing from the vote – Crs Kristyn Glanville and Cr Joeline Hackman – so they may have the power to reverse the decision in September.
Why was it being voted on in the first place?
The bakehouse is located in Rialto Lane, which is used as a service lane for deliveries and often experiences high levels of vehicle traffic.
Rollers never officially had approval for the seating, but it became very popular around the COVID era and the lack of permit was overlooked.
In 2024, it came under fire for not having the correct approvals. Rather than allowing an opportunity for management to apply for one, Council decided the arrangement was too dangerous (it does not meet their outdoor seating safety standards), and ordered for it to be taken away.
With community support and a strong push from former mayor Georgia Ryburn, a nine month trial was agreed to.
How did the trial go?
No accidents or injuries occurred during this time. However, Council still believes it be a potential hazard to the public after reporting collision damage on half of the bollards put in place to seperate the laneway form pedestrians. Ultimately Council officers say Council could be liable if a diner is hit by a vehicle in the service lane.
Rollers weren’t happy with the news.
“The Council has raised concerns that our outdoor set up poses safety risks. However, throughout the trial period there have been zero accidents or injuries. The space has been nothing but a spot enjoyed by both locals and tourists to Manly,” The Rialto Group Marketing Executive, Eliza Roberts told Manly Observer.
“Whether it’s a member of the Bold & Beautiful enjoying a post-swim coffee or a cyclist riding in from Church Point, this little sunny corner of Manly has become a much loved spot for the Northern Beaches. We’re proud of our community and thankful for their support against this decision.”
“When it was originally put up as a motion, the staff had a really good look at it. And the report came back and explained all the reasons why it just wasn’t possible,” Northern Beaches Councillor Candy Bingham explained to us last year when the idea was originally put forward.
“What can you do to make the place safer? You can’t widen the footpath. There’s nothing you can do to make the place safer… it really concerns me that we’re putting our patrons at risk.”
It was this low appetite for risk that saw the majority of councillors vote to remove the seating on 19 August.
Rollers Bakehouse is encouraging the public to sign their petition pleading the Council to allow the furniture to stay.
Manly Chamber shared its support to retain the seating with a letter to Northern Beaches Council’s CEO, comparing the situation to other previous service lanes, now transformed into successful, high-pedestrian areas.
“Were there naysayers when The Corso was pedestrianized in the 1970s? You bet! Did Market Lane begin as a service lane primarily used for deliveries, waste disposal and access to the rear entrances of buildings?” The letter read.
“And yes Sydney Road was historically a major route for vehicles, but now also home to one of Sydney’s most popular craft markets putting Manly on the map alongside The Rocks, Glebe and Paddington Markets.”
Councillors were highly divided as the issue was debated close to midnight on 19 August.
“Let’s be honest. Rialto Lane cannot be both a service lane and a dining precinct,” remarked Councillor Nicholas Beaugeard. “This is a very busy service lane…Manly has enough grungy laneway cafes,” added Cr Candy Bingham. “It’s a fantastic bakery but I am not prepared to put the residents at risk.”
But not all were convinced. “This will kill this small business,” Cr De Luca remarked. “Let the good times roll!” added Cr Bonnie Harvey. Cr Sarah Grattan, a traditionally risk-averse councillor, said her appetite for risk was higher when it came to the community asset.
“I think we can take some risk to support small business for a vibrant Manly.”
The matter returns to council on 16 September 2025.
