A proposed $16 million dollar makeover of Ivanhoe Park as well as the stadium and grounds around Manly Oval is on public exhibition until this Sunday.
Manly’s “green hub”, historic Ivanhoe Park, is to be transformed under the plans. The Park is formed by two parts, the passive recreation area known as Ivanhoe Park Botanic Gardens and the sporting precinct incorporating the Manly Oval, Bowling Club and Tennis Club facilities.
Among the plans is a new central lawn and Amphitheatre, a new grandstand, pavilion clubhouse and public amenities, and additional spectator seating overlooking Manly Oval. Detailed plans and an associated map is available here.
Draft_Ivanhoe_Park_Landscape_Masterplan_-_The_Masterplan
The Ivanhoe Park masterplan also includes an upgraded path system, better safety features for the night, a new playground, enhancement of the Botanic Garden, and reconnection of the park to Manly town centre. Accessibility into and through the park is also to be improved.
Ivanhoe Park, which was first proclaimed as a park in 1887, is historically rich. Plans for the park also include enhancement of the WWII memorial and its surrounds, as well as protecting the flora within the Botanic Garden, some of which includes Australian Native trees planted by the Girl Guides during the mid 1930’s.
Ivanhoe Park was added to the State Heritage Register two years ago following a decade long community fight. There was strong community opposition to Manly Council plans for a proposed car park for underneath the site. The listing in 2019 means the Park now has strict controls over any proposed changes, in perpetuity.
So, now that it is saved – how to make the most of it?
The project could cost an estimated $16 million, and would require the support of local, state, and federal government.
You can have your say and share your feedback via completing the submission form, or by contacting Northern Beaches Council, or the project Manager, Lia Skountzos, directly.
A sponsored post we spied on social media had just a handful of comments on it, mostly asking that Council leave the area alone. A review of the site we read in the masterplan does, however, identify many structures in poor condition.
Read the details and have your say using the info below:
Submission form: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ivanhoe-park
Email: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Submissions close on Sunday 19 September 2021.