Northern Beaches Council has formally adopted its long awaited masterplan for the Clontarf Reserve and Sandy Bay foreshore open space areas, ushering in more than $5.2 million worth of improvements and upgrades.

The Clontarf Reserve Landscape Masterplan provides design direction for the Council to deliver open-space improvements while conserving the environmental, cultural heritage and scenic values of one of the most iconic harbour beaches in Sydney.

The iconic beach at Clontarf Reserve faces Middle Harbour and has been a popular recreation space and picnic spot since the 19th century. A key stopping point on the Manly to Spit Walk since 1988, the reserve has sky rocketed in popularity in recent years.

This reserve’s gently sloping beach has no surf at all, a netted harbour tidal-pool, beautiful grounds, a café and a kiosk serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, altogether making it popular family destination, especially for families with small children.

“However, infrastructure to support the reserve’s growing use had not been renewed or upgraded in recent years, resulting in the park not having enough capacity to meet community expectations,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said.

“To resolve this situation, Council worked closely with the local community to develop the Landscape Masterplan whose key features will be rolled out as part of Council’s forward capital works program.”

During the 2019-2020 financial year alone:

  • $900,000 will be provided for the development of the play space and pedestrian connections,
  • $300,000 for the revitalisation of the existing public toilets, and
  • $320,000 for the foreshore works.

Proposed Stage 2 works to be reviewed as part of Council’s 2021-2024 Delivery Program include:

  • $590,000 for Sandy Bay foreshore works, including new seawalls, turf improvements landscaping improvements, bushland and pathway improvements and additional parking, and,
  • $3,100,000 for Clontarf Beach Reserve car park realignment works, storm-water and landscape improvements, gateway treatment, pedestrian connectivity

“The masterplan addresses key considerations including parking, connectivity, accessibility, inclusion, public safety, amenity and sustainable ongoing management,” Northern Beaches Mayor Regan added.

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