Northern Beaches Council will upgrade East Esplanade at Manly to improve the visitor experience and provide better environmental protections.

Mayor Michael Regan said a draft East Esplanade Landscape Plan has been approved for public exhibition.

“East Esplanade forms part of the iconic Manly gateway to the Northern Beaches with its landscaped setting, open grassed areas and convenient location. In fact, locals often refer to it as “The Office” because of its popularity as a meeting place.

“But storms and other weather events have reduced the amenity of East Esplanade, eroding grassed areas. There will be better protection of trees, improved recreation areas and historic elements in the park enhanced.

“The plan proposes to provide a better connection in the park between environment, history and lifestyle and will make it more resilient

”We will be engaging directly with local businesses and residents to gain their input,” Mayor Regan said.

Priority work would include raising the kerb and reducing stormwater runoff, new sandstone edging along the promenade to retain the grass area, enhancement of the Broken Fountain memorial area and construction of raised decks around the exposed roots of the fig trees.

Council has allocated $200,000 this financial year for the work.

The draft plan is on public exhibition from 2 November to 3 December and the community can participate by visiting the Your Say page of Council’s website. A public drop-in session will be held on site on Saturday 11 November from 9am-1pm.