The new owner of Manly Wharf plans to replace the existing railings around the jetty area with safer fencing – a win for toddler parents but a loss for recreational pier jumpers. Artemus Group, who are the new leaseholders for Manly Wharf and Felons Manly (nee Manly Wharf Bar), recently submitted the $1 million development application (DA) to Council.
The jetty is a popular spot for jumping into the water via the metal railings, which would no longer be as easy with the new design, but it will also make it much safer, connecting with broader plans to build a playground at its East Esplanade entrance. The Group, who acquired Manly Wharf and Manly Wharf Bar for $110 million have previously signalled plans to make the space more family friendly much like its Felons venue at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane pictured below (you can read the full article here).
Just last month, we reported on the $13.5 million DA to rebrand Manly Wharf Bar to Felons and transform the old Aldi supermarket into a microbrewery (you can read about that here), which saw a mixed community response.
The next steps are to replace the “climbable” steel fencing around the precinct (commonly used by teens to jump into the water below) and to extend the outside deck area to add a kids’ play area at Felons.
“Over the years, there have been safety incidents involving people falling or jumping from Manly Wharf, either accidentally or because of intentional and unsafe behaviour,” the Statement of Environmental Effects reads.
In addition, the report outlines the current balustrades do not meet BCA standards, “particularly the horizontal rails between balustrades which allow climbing [and the] gaps in between balusters also exceed maximum standards”.
Artemus proposes to install glass balustrades with an adjustable height.
“The proposed balustrades are identical to those already installed adjacent to Hugos outdoor dining area. They have proven to significantly improve user safety and comfort and are of a design and style that complements the wharf,” the statement says.
The retractable glazed balustrade will comprise clear glazing within a metal frame and at its full height (1.8m) it will shield outdoor diners and walkways from rain or wind (and will only be at the height for those purposes). When lowered, it will be the same height as the current balustrades (1.2m), and only staff will be able to control the height. The statement highlights the fencing will not be visually dominating but enhance the wharf.
“The works do not diminish or impact on the heritage significance,” the statement notes.
They also propose to remove the timber balustrades between the promenade and outdoor seating at The Bavarian and Felons.
The new play area will be within the deck bar to allow for parents to supervise their children while enjoying a beverage and meal, with the statement highlighting this is an important step toward a more family friendly Felons.
“This is a significant improvement to the current situation of patrons’ children playing unsupervised on the public grassed areas of the promenade,” the statement adds.
It will feature a nautical theme, and pygmy date palms will surround it.
Finally, as part of the plan, Artemus plan to remove the timber and concrete bench seats around the water’s edge.
You can view the development application (DA) on Council’s website.
