A major redevelopment has been proposed for Manly Wharf, with Adam Flaskas, co-founder of Artemus Group, playing a central role in plans to transform the iconic waterfront site into a food and drink precinct.
Artemus Group has lodged a development application with Northern Beaches Council seeking approval for a $4.5 million upgrade of the wharf’s central pedestrian concourse, which currently houses a mix of retail and food outlets servicing ferry passengers, commuters and visitors.
Under the proposal, all existing outlets along the concourse would be converted into food and drink premises, marking the first significant change to the retail arcade since Manly Wharf was rebuilt in 1941.
Planning documents submitted with the application outline extensive internal works, including the demolition of existing partitions, ceilings, floor finishes, signage panels and ground-floor kiosks. The concrete flooring throughout the pedestrian concourse would be refurbished, while automatic glass sliding doors would be installed at the main entrance, along with a new skylight designed to increase natural light within the space.
If approved, the current seven tenancies would be consolidated into six, with the number of kiosks reduced from three to two. The proposal also includes additional fixed seating, upgraded ferry waiting areas and improved external lighting, with illumination intended to enhance the wharf’s historic façade and clocktower and create a softer visual presence along the waterfront.
The statement of environmental effects accompanying the development application notes that the proposed works aim to improve the retail offering, restore and reinstate heritage-significant elements of the site, and provide improved public amenity, including increased shelter and areas of respite for ferry passengers.
Flaskas has previously spoken about a long-term vision to revitalise the Manly waterfront as an inviting hospitality precinct that serves locals, commuters and tourists while retaining its role as a key transport hub.
Artemus acquired the long-term leasehold of Manly Wharf in 2023, along with the adjacent Manly Wharf Bar. Since then, the group has undertaken a number of changes across the precinct, including rebranding the Wharf Bar to Felons Brewing Co. and converting a former supermarket tenancy into the Barrel Room, a microbrewery, live music venue and eatery.
Further hospitality venues have since opened along the western side of the wharf, while several long-standing restaurants have recently vacated the precinct following the conclusion of their leases. Artemus has also acquired Hugo’s Pizza at the wharf and has opened a dedicated wedding and events venue on the first floor of the complex.
The redevelopment proposal is now subject to assessment by Northern Beaches Council.
