The grand old dame of Manly to be revitalised

The grand old dame of Manly has been the centre of civic life for many decades but its future use may soon change, with Council embarking on concept planning to repurpose the building for future generations to enjoy.

A few years ago, we asked you to suggest your ideas for the future use of the historic building now that it is no longer the meeting place of the amalgamated Council. We received over 1,000 suggestions which were considered by Council and our project working group. 

The project working group included 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.

We are now moving forward with a feasibility study considering the financial, social, cultural and environmental outcomes of turning the historic space into a multi-use performance and exhibition space.

Opened in 1937, the landmark building has been the centre of civic life in Manly for many decades. Our new plan will see it become an exciting cultural hub for current and future generations to enjoy.

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

Thank you to everyone involved in this exciting project.

Manly Town Hall’s early history

In its very earliest days, Manly Council first met in St Matthew’s Church school room, before moving to Oddfellows’ Hall in Raglan Street in 1879. 

From 1884, Council moved to a shabby weatherboard building at Ivanhoe Park, the one-time Ivanhoe Park Hotel.

By 1909, Mayor Bonner negotiated the purchase of the land and building on which the Town Hall now stands.  The building, built in 1879, was formerly known as ‘Llangollen’, the home of the Rolfe family, then was the premises of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, before becoming the Town Hall.  This building served as a Town Hall from 13 February 1909 until 1937.  It was notably draughty, and prone to both white ants and leaks.

In November 1937 the new Council Chambers and Administrative Offices were opened by the Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens (who had been an office boy with Manly Council at the very beginning of his municipal career).  The building cost £16,000 to construct, and was designed by Mr Reginald Maisey of the local firm of Trenchard Smith and Maisey, architects.