A few years back, we asked the community to put forward ideas for the future use of Manly Town Hall. After broad community consultation and expert assistance, Council has endorsed a plan to repurpose the site and is exploring options to turn Manly’s grand old dame into a multi-use performance and exhibition space.

Council will move forward with a study to explore the feasibility of turning Manly Town Hall into a multi-use performance and exhibition space and consider financial, social, cultural and environmental outcomes for the community. The study will also consider different operating models with economic outcomes.

Northern Beaches Council Interim CEO Louise Kerr thanked the community for the many ideas contributed and the working group, which had the tough job of considering a broad collection of ideas and accompanying research and then narrowing down the options.

“Three years on and 1,000 ideas later, this project is an excellent example of the community and Council working together to explore creative ways to get the most out of our highly valued community spaces,” Ms Kerr said.

“It’s not often we have the opportunity to reimagine a significant public space that has the potential to become an exciting cultural hub.”

The working group of 12 includes representatives from Manly Community Forum, Families for Manly, Manly Business Chamber, tourism experts, performing art experts, gallery and museum experts, experts with heritage backgrounds, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. Manly Ward Councillors and the Mayor were also observers of the group.

The study is expected to take up to six months to complete and results will be reported to Council later in 2023.

Council will explore funding opportunities and further consult with the community on the preferred option.