Manly residents are working to bring back an amphitheatre, but this time not along The Corso, where one was filled in about two decades ago. The proposed site is Ivanhoe Park.
Dubbed the Green Heart of Manly and Manly’s best-kept secret (even from locals), Ivanhoe Park is located along Sydney Road and Raglan Street. The State heritage-listed park has sporting venues (an oval and bowling green) along its eastern side, while a Botanic Garden (recognised in 2014 in the Manly LEP) is along the western side.
It’s there, within the Botanic Garden, that a working group is proposing to build a permanent, natural stone stage to bring theatre and outdoor performances, and their audiences, to the park.
“[The amphitheatre] would be a great addition to the cultural scene of Manly, and it would inspire others to get on the stage and share their talents, creativity and ideas with the community,” Zoë Hudson, President & Founder of Manly Theatre Group told Manly Observer.
The team behind the Ivanhoe Park amphitheatre includes representatives from the Friends of Ivanhoe Park, Manly Theatre Group, manly42, a local music producer, an architect, a landscaper, a town planner and interested residents.
While the idea is in its very early stages, and would need to be incorporated into Council’s Ivanhoe Masterplan (with Council’s approval), Hudson said the vision would be to create a natural gathering place for community gatherings, theatrical plays, acoustic bands or panel talks.
It’s also about creating a cultural hub in Manly. The amphitheatre would tie in Manly’s art scene, including the Sky Theatre, Manly Art Gallery and various arts groups.
Ivanhoe Park Masterplan
The Landscape Masterplan and Plan of Management were adopted by Council in 2021. The plans cover both the Botanic Garden and the Manly Oval sporting precinct, which will see the area reinvigorated to strengthen it as a social and recreation green destination in Manly.
Most recently, a vacant childcare building within the Botanic Garden was demolished to make way for a new central lawn area.
In its latest plans, Council has proposed redeveloping the current playground into a nature play area and natural playground surrounding the lawn.
“The idea is to establish a natural sandstone platform along the northern edge of the new lawn area,” Hudson explained.
“Spectators could bring picnic blankets to watch and listen to the performances under the shade of the beautiful trees.
“This space is really under-utilised and has the capacity to be multi-generational and multi-use.”
Could it become a reality?
Council currently manages open space bookings for Ivanhoe Park, however, Hudson explained getting temporary stages in and out of the park would prevent many performers from wanting to use the space. A permanent structure, with bookings still managed by Council, would be more attractive.
Any proposal for a permanent structure would need to go through Council who would consider the idea against a range of factors, including the Heritage Conservation Management for the site.
However, Council has said they are willing to meet with community members and stakeholder groups to discuss and explore potential opportunities.
Deputy Mayor and Manly ward Councillor Candy Bingham has taken an interest in the project, lending her support to bring Council staff to the site to understand the feasibility of the idea.
Discussions would also need to cover access to power and lighting upgrades for winter night performances, plus public toilets. Currently, the only facilities nearby, at the Scout Hall and Grandstand, are locked.
“It’s the perfect spot for a natural amphitheatre, as the natural landscaping would absorb the sound and not disturb the surrounding residents too much,” Hudson said.
