Manly’s popular LM Graham Reserve has a new sports amenities building, following completion of the refurbishment of its cogeneration building.

The extension and upgrade of the cogeneration building which runs alongside the Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre means the Reserve now has enlarged, modern and accessible public amenities, additional sports storage and an improved canteen.

The old sports amenities building will now be demolished later this year to make way for a larger dog park.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council had honoured a previous commitment from the former Manly Council to upgrade the facilities.

“This Reserve is really popular with soccer, cricket and basketball players and also with people who love taking their dogs out to run and play. It’s busy year-round and the old facilities building wasn’t up to the job, so it made sense to invest in updating the facilities so they meet the increasing multiple demands on the Reserve.”

The demolition of the old facilities building will create an additional 300 square metre area of fenced off-leash space separate from the sporting fields and other areas where dogs can be walked on a lead.

The new facilities cost $550,000 and were designed by Council’s in-house architect. The new facilities will not be affected by the operation of the cogeneration plant, where electricity is generated to heat the adjacent Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre.