3 Aug 11
by Peter Bodkin
The group has said a proposed $6.97 million extension of the site will hurt local business, create further night-time unrest for people living near the wharf and disrupt the area’s protected little penguin colony.
The wharf’s lessee, TMG Developments, has lodged plans for four new restaurants on the building’s eastern wing, with the proposed trading hours for the licensed premises extending until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Nearby resident Russell Shephard said an expansion of the wharf could set a dangerous precedent for the waterfront area.
“It will pull all the business down here, and the noise and the drinking will ruin this family area,” he said.
“It’s bad enough as it is.”
Angelika Treichler, who co-ordinates Manly’s volunteer penguin protectors, said the proposed intensification of the site would have a detrimental effect on the natural environment around Manly Cove.
“Apart from dogs, it is intoxicated patrons from licensed premises that give (the penguin protectors) a lot of grief,” she said.
Business manager George Kincses, from Wood & Stone, said opening new restaurants at the wharf could mean it was no longer financially viable for many established local operators to keep trading.
TMG Developments owner Robert Magid, who holds a 99-year lease on the property, has previously had proposals for hotels of up to 200 rooms rejected for the site.
He has said having more iconic restaurants at the wharf would help bring visitors to Manly, ensuring the local economy drives forward.
“Manly, economically, is based on it being a destination for all of Sydney,” he said. “The benefit of this (development) is that it will enhance the area.”
PROTEST RALLY
WHAT:Public protest against the Manly Wharf proposal
WHEN:2pm on Sunday, August 7
WHERE:Outside Manly Wharf
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment