Council invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from community groups interested in leasing or licensing 34 Stuart St, Manly for the delivery of community cultural, social, recreational, environmental or educational programs and services.
Submissions will assist Council to determine how to best utilise this space in a transparent and equitable manner. Submissions will be considered for exclusive use or compatible shared use of the space. Submissions must demonstrate how the proposed use or services delivered from the premises benefit the community and complements the use of the surrounding area.
Community space description
34 Stuart Street forms part of the Little Manly Reserves Landscape Masterplan (viewable here). It is located between the carpark on Craig Avenue and the boat storage at 36 Stuart Street, Manly.
This heritage-listed, single-storey property is an example of the Federation Queen Anne style weatherboard house. Currently used as a residential premises, the building may be suitable for various recreational, educational, or community group uses.
The building is approximately 150 square meters, consists of three bedrooms with high ceilings, modern kitchen and bathroom, and will be available for community groups to offer services and programs to the community.
Submission details
Community groups are invited to submit an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) to lease or licence the space for up to five years. This EOI closes Thursday 31 October 2024.
The land is zoned as RE1 Public Recreation and is currently only authorised for use as a residential premises based on existing use rights. Proposed uses will require planning approval, and the successful tenant will be required to submit a Development Application (DA) to authorise an appropriate community, educational, recreational, or environmental facility. The applicant will bear the cost of the application and any associated reports (traffic, environmental, heritage, etc.).
Fees and charges
Respondents should propose a rent or licence fee as part of their submission. The economic feasibility of submissions will be considered alongside community benefits.
Inspection dates
The site will be open for inspection on Thursday 26 September at 10:30am.
Registration is required, please contact Steph Robertson on 1300 434 434 or stephanie.robertson@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au to register.
Important information
Assessments of applications
Applications will be assessed based on the proposed community utilisation of the space, community benefit and economic feasibility of the utilisation, with the selection criteria as follows:
Community Group Criteria:
- Public liability insurance of $20 million
- Financial sustainability and capacity to meet lease commitments (rental, outgoings, maintenance expenses). Annual financial statements to be provided to Council and audited if required
- Compliance with relevant legislation governing activities, such as Child Safety Policies
- Sound governance and management model with established policies and procedures for staff, committee members, and volunteers
- Constitution or charter confirming the community group's commitment to the cultural, educational, social and/or recreational wellbeing of the community
- Details of the intended use of the location, any changes to the building being proposed, and any fixtures and fittings to be installed to meet functionality requirements for the space (all works, fixtures and fittings to be at the cost of the applicant)
- Understanding that activities permitted in the RE1 Public Recreation zoning may require consent, and the applicant must undertake any necessary DA process.
Community Benefit Criteria:
- A business plan and program of activities addressing identified cultural, social, recreational, environmental, or educational community needs
- Demonstrate how the use of the facility will increase social inclusion and connection and promote health and well-being for the Northern Beaches community
- Plan of projected hours of operation and participant/membership numbers
- Provision of services that either meet an identified community need not currently provided in the area or expand an existing service to meet community demand
- Demonstrated alignment with the strategic directions and outcomes in Council's Community Strategic Plan 2040 and Council's Better Together Social Sustainability Strategy 2040
- Alignment with the Little Manly Reserves Landscape Masterplan and current zoning (RE1 - Public Recreation)
Process
- Expressions of Interest open for submission from Wednesday 4 September 2024 to Thursday 31 October 2024.
- Assessment of applications against the selection criteria
- Council to award a lease or licence with reference to the assessment criteria, should an appropriate submission be received that meets the economic feasibility and community benefits required.
How do I provide a submission?
Online - enter a submission via the Expression of Interest form below
Email - submit your written submission form to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Q: Would Council consider a proposal to alter the property with remediation works included if it was deemed appropriate by the relevant heritage body?
A: Council may consider minor alterations to the inside of the building where they improve functionality. However, any proposal will be subject to owner's consent and the necessary approvals, such as a DA. The original section of the building is heritage listed, and the 1960’s extension to the property is of heritage value. All works are to be completed at the cost of the Lessee.
Q: Will the council release a survey or building plan to assist with plans to this effect?
A: Please see the most recent plan here.
Q: Is 34 Stuart St a state or local heritage property?
A: 34 Stuart St is an Item of Environmental Heritage under the Manly LEP 2013, so is a local heritage property.
Q: Could the applicant reconfigure the 36 Stuart Street area to produce a more efficient storage result in our submission?
A: Applicants are welcome to include a proposed area layout with their application for Council’s consideration, noting that proposals reliant on altering 36 Stuart St may not be considered.
Q: If there is significant investment would Council consider a longer lease?
A: Applicants are welcome to include a proposed lease/term with their application for Council’s consideration.