MEDIA RELEASE 24 August 2022
New life for North Manly recreational area
Northern Beaches Council has endorsed entering into a partnership with the Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club to revitalise the disused former lawn bowls club site at North Manly.
The partnership proposes a 30-year lease with the Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club who will transform the run-down site into a 3,000sqm indoor gymnastics and high-performance centre for all levels of participation, from grass roots to national level competitors.
The Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club proposal includes a large gymnastics space, trampoline, balance beam, high bar and vault areas, viewing mezzanine, café, sun deck and additional on site parking.
Council will now seek the permission of the Office of Local Government to progress the partnership.
Mayor Michael Regan said the new facility would provide a much needed space for gymnasts on the Northern Beaches who have limited other facilities.
“There is a high demand for sporting facilities across the Northern Beaches and the new facility will support the growing local interest and participation in gymnastics.
“The partnership will see the full redevelopment of the former North Manly Bowling Club site without cost to ratepayers.
“The is a great outcome for this popular recreation precinct and will complement the surrounding uses of golf, touch football, cricket and soccer.”
The partnership follows a muti-step evaluation process which began with a call for proposals from community and sporting organisations on the future use of the space. These proposals were narrowed down to five recreational uses. A targeted expression of interest process and rigorous evaluation ensued including community representation on the evaluation panel.
If the partnership is approved by the Office of Local Government, Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club will be required to submit a development proposal to Council for assessment.
