In 2018 Northern Beaches Council received $100,000 from the NSW Government for a Heritage Near Me Activation Grant to complete the Manly West Esplanade Heritage Activation Plan. This Plan was completed in late 2019 and is available on the Council website.

Council has implemented some of the recommendations of the Manly West Esplanade Heritage Activation Plan, new landscaping, installation of public place furniture along the Esplanade and some improved lighting.

At the recent Council meeting, prompted by a Notice of Motion, referencing this Plan, submitted by Manly Ward Councillors, the Council has resolved to brief Councillors on the process of the feasibility of reinstating the boardwalk/harbour pool at Manly Cove. After discussing this for an hour at the Council meeting with some councillors expressing concern about the possible $20million that this boardwalk may cost to rebuild, Councillors agreed to the need for a briefing to clarify the steps required to progress this proposal. The Councillors are also hoping the briefing will include consideration ‘of other options to rehabilitate the area and bring to life a celebration of our indigenous heritage.’

One recommendation, not yet implemented, was to relocate the Governor Philip Monument to a more suitable location along West Esplanade. The Governor Philip monument Is considered a significant obstruction to the flow of pedestrian and cyclist traffic near the entry to the promenade near Manly Wharf. Relocation of the monument to a site of appropriate prominence would be subject to cautious and considered design as part of a wider program of landscaping works.