A bid to redevelop the former Davis Marina in Balgowlah to accommodate superyachts, a sit-in cafe for 20, and sell alcohol has caused waves in the usually calm waters of North Harbour.
Only four residents had been formally notified by Council of the Development Application (DA2024/1216), but it was enough to cause ripples and catch our attention earlier this week. After enquiries from our team, and concern expressed by Manly MP James Griffin, Council reassessed its approach and extended notification to all foreshore residents, and lengthened the closing date for submission to 19 November. The previous Exhibition Notice was only sent to residents at 7, 8, 9 and 10 Gourlay Avenue.
So what’s proposed?
North Harbour Marina’s new owner and Managing Director of Addenbrooke, Ned O’Neil purchased the business from the Davis family last year (our story on that here). Addenbrooke has a large portfolio of commercial properties including Mosman Bay Marina and Rose Bay and Point Piper Marinas.
O’Neil said that the plans don’t expand on the existing footprint of the marina. Instead, they are re-configuring the existing berth layout which, he said, was poorly designed when it was built.
“The modifications are so small and within the existing footprint that most observers would struggle to tell the difference,” he said.
Except for one big difference – the plan would allow for the berthing of one or two superyachts (vessels over 24 metres). here are also plans for seating and a licence for an on-site cafe.
Specifically, the proposed development of the marina, which is estimated to cost $250,000, includes:
- Relinquishing 10 swing moorings to create a navigation panel.
- Removal of four soft stand berths.
- Installation of an additional nine floating marina berths connected to the existing marina arms which brings the total berths from 35 to 44.
- Proposed new berths will range in size from 8m to 15m.
- T-Head berths will be designed to take two smaller vessels or one larger vessel depending on occupancy.
- Increased external decking in front of existing building.
- Marina Café with an on-premises liquor licence within the existing building with external seating on deck (maximum 20 patrons) that will be ancillary to the existing marina use. Proposed trading hours are 6am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday including public holidays, with closure of the café based on the time of the sunset.
- Expanded deck with Dinghy Racks (72 spots) over existing slipway.
- Removal of slipway rails.
While residents say they aren’t opposed to giving the marina a facelift, those who made contact with Manly Observer say they are opposed to the option for 25m and 32m superyachts to take up residence on the T-Head berths. They spoke of concerns over visual and noise pollution from large vessels, as well as the potential safety issues these multi-storey boats create for water-based activities. They have also raised concerns over the sale of alcohol at the café and the potential for turning the laid-back and quiet marina into “party central”.
As one resident told us, “This is the Northern Beaches, not the Eastern suburbs”, referring to Addenbrooke’s ownership of Rose Bay and Point Piper Marinas which is a substantially larger marina.
Manly Observer spoke to residents who requested to be off record for this article. We have also read through all the submissions available on the Council’s website at the time of publication. We’ve summarised the main concerns as best we can, and the concerns expressed are theirs and not Manly Observer’s.
“This is the Northern Beaches, not the Eastern suburbs”
At the end of the two berths (called the T-Head), the plans propose to add two spots for 12m boats and two spots for 15m boats. The proposed plans highlight the option for a 25m and 32m super yacht to berth there instead of the smaller boats. Superyachts tend to be multi-storey (three or four storey), can accommodate up to 10 to 12 passengers and six staff. The old Manly Jet Cats were 35m in length. One resident described them as a “small block of flats”.
Objectors are concerned the superyachts would visually dominate and ruin the character of the small cove.
“Huge engines would pollute the bay, the propulsion would stir up the shallow seabed, affecting aquatic life,” one resident wrote to us. Another said, “the generators would need to run 24 hours a day adding to environmental pollution”.
Residents are concerned with the noise superyachts would potential bring from passengers, as these types of boats are often associated with a party lifestyle.
But O’Neil told Manly Observer that the option for super yacht berthing is to future proof the marina to last the next 25 years and aren’t essential for him. He also said they would only be privately owned boats, not charter boats.
“What we have proposed is the flexibility for each of the T-heads to be occupied by two 12m – 15m vessels or a single larger vessel. At present we see demand for sailing vessels up to 20m for these T-Head berths but this will change over time,” he said.
He added that there are yachts on swing moorings which are 20m in length. He also confirmed to us, after speaking to a few residents and community groups, he is considering putting a 20m berth size restriction in place instead of pushing for 25m and 32m berths, to appease locals.
Plans for sit-down cafe and drinks
The plan is to renovate the existing building and put in a on-premises licenced café. Currently, there is no cafe, but we are told members can hire the venue for a maximum of 20 guests using the kitchen for catering with strict guidelines around times and noise.
“We are seeking permission for a small kiosk which will be ancillary to the marina, and we believe it would be a great addition to the area,” O’Neil told Manly Observer.
“The kiosk will be limited to 20 patrons and will operate as an ‘on-premise venue’ meaning it can sell alcohol but only when it is sold with food. The operating hours are 6am to sunset which in summertime would be approximately 8:15pm. The early start enables us to do coffees and breakfast for kayakers and walkers which frequent the area.”
He added that any alcohol sold would need to be consumed on premise – meaning no one can buy a six-pack and take it to their (super) yacht to keep the night going.
While objectors aren’t opposed to having a small café to sell coffees and small meals to walkers and water-based participants, they remain unconvinced with the option to sell alcohol: “This would be an absolute disaster for residents in the area,” said one.
It was only four years ago when the same residents fought against Council over the develompent of Manly Boatshed, which, one resident informed us, included the owners planning to have a licenced cafe with opening hours until 10pm. The kiosk at Manly Boatshed opened last year (we covered the story here) and while they operate seven days a week, they are only open between 7am and midday and can only serve take away coffees and pastries with limited seating. No alcohol allowed.
‘Swing moorings are being sacrificed to create a navigation channel for the super yachts’
For the non-boat enthusiasts, swing moorings are where boats are attached to a buoy in the water. There are two different types: private (where TfNSW lease direct to the boat owner) and commercial (where the marina leases at a reduced cost). While there is a waitlist for private moorings, there has been decreased need for commercial moorings, according to O’Neil.
The plan is to reduce 10 moorings to create a 50m wide navigation channel – however, O’Neil said that it balances out with the plan to add nine berths.
“The modifications will enable us to provide nine new berths for existing clients already on swing moorings waiting for a berth to become available,” he explained.
Residents are concerned that the loss of swing moorings, used by local families, is only for the superyachts which “will be likely owned by corporations and multimillionaires with no connection to the local community”. Another resident, who is against the idea, said, “This is where people swim and kayak and paddle board and fish.”
O’Neil said that he wants the navigation channel implemented regardless of whether he gets approval for the superyacht berths.
“The navigation channel is required irrespective of our development being approved and what size boat sits on the existing T-Heads,” he said.
“Currently there is no navigation channel at all, so there is a situation where any size boat can be making its way through the mooring field and a kayaker could pop out behind a boat on a swing mooring with little or no warning.
“The only way to improve the safety of the bay is to create a navigation channel for the benefit of all users including small passive watercraft users.”
He added that he had consulted with locals who agreed the need for a navigation channel.
“We chose to live in this quiet area with a beautiful peaceful outlook and then this happens”
‘Overdevelopment of a tiny bay’
“Why can’t people be entitled to a bit of quiet? We are a hands-on community, who really care about our area, and we chose to live in this quiet area with a beautiful peaceful outlook and then this happens,” one resident said.
Residents claimed bird life, the turtles and a penguin community would suffer from the overdevelopment.
“The proposal is out of balance with the environment and equitable use and view of the area – to approve for the benefit of a wealthy few to the detriment of the environment and many residents,” one resident wrote in their submission to Council.
O’Neil, who has spent his whole life on the harbour either kayaking or sailing, said he was open to liaising further with the community on the plans.
“I’m happy to hear from the community, those conversations only drive to better outcomes,” he said.
“We love the laidback Northern Beaches vibe down at North Harbour Marina and don’t want that to change.”
You can read more about the plans here.