A small display in Manly Library shows photos of the Hotel Manly being demolished 20 years ago. The Hotel Manly was built for Deatons Limited to replace the Pier Hotel, which had stood for over sixty years on the site opposite Manly Wharf. It was designed by architect S H Buchanan of 26 Hunter Street, Sydney, in 1923. Building commenced in May 1924; the builder was L O’Neil. When the hotel was opened in 1924 it was described as one of the finest hotels of its kind in the southern hemisphere. A seven-storey addition (the work of prominent architect Emil Sodersteen) was opened in 1935 and a new ballroom was also part of the renovations. The hotel dominated the corner of Belgrave Street and East Esplanade for half a century, and was renowned for its comfort and luxury.
Tooth and Co Ltd owned the hotel in the 1970s, and proposed further extensions. Throughout the 1980s there were a series of proposed redevelopments as the hotel went through several changes in ownership. In 1988 Jennings Industries bought the hotel for $15.25 million, and in February 1989 Manly Council approved a $64 million redevelopment proposal from the company. The hotel’s doors closed on 5th March 1989, and demolition followed quickly. The life-size statue of Governor Phillip by Rayner Hoff which graced the Belgrave Street façade was preserved and relocated; but Smokey, the hotel’s mascot cat, was left behind in the confusion – he was found by passers-by and given a new home.
The site lay vacant for several years, becoming known locally as the ‘hole in the ground’. It was sold in 1993 to Denham Pty Ltd, who proposed the Grande Esplanade development, incorporating retail units, with serviced apartments above. All 82 units were sold before construction began, and the Grande Esplanade building was officially opened in August 1996.
Tooth and Co Ltd owned the hotel in the 1970s, and proposed further extensions. Throughout the 1980s there were a series of proposed redevelopments as the hotel went through several changes in ownership. In 1988 Jennings Industries bought the hotel for $15.25 million, and in February 1989 Manly Council approved a $64 million redevelopment proposal from the company. The hotel’s doors closed on 5th March 1989, and demolition followed quickly. The life-size statue of Governor Phillip by Rayner Hoff which graced the Belgrave Street façade was preserved and relocated; but Smokey, the hotel’s mascot cat, was left behind in the confusion – he was found by passers-by and given a new home.
The site lay vacant for several years, becoming known locally as the ‘hole in the ground’. It was sold in 1993 to Denham Pty Ltd, who proposed the Grande Esplanade development, incorporating retail units, with serviced apartments above. All 82 units were sold before construction began, and the Grande Esplanade building was officially opened in August 1996.
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