Clontarf Reserve is set for another round of upgrades, with work starting on new recreation facilities, pedestrian access and changes to the car park.
Northern Beaches Council will begin Stage 1 landscaping and car park works on Monday, 21 September, as part of the broader Clontarf Reserve Landscape Masterplan. The project will be delivered in two phases and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
The reserve will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles during construction, although visitors can expect temporary impacts around work areas and sections of the car park. Council said pedestrian and traffic controls would be used to help people move safely around construction areas.
New youth recreation space planned
A new youth recreation area will be delivered as part of Stage 1. The first construction phase is scheduled to run from September until mid-December 2026.
Plans include casual walled seating, a basketball tower, outdoor fitness equipment and a performance platform.
Stage 1 will also alter parts of the existing car park, with changes intended to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Permeable paving will be installed in parking bays, while eight trees will be removed and replaced with suitable native species.
Three new parking bays are planned on Sandy Bay Road beside the reserve, requiring the removal of existing garden beds in that area.
Work will pause during the summer school holiday period before Phase 2 begins in February and continues through June 2027. Council has scheduled the break to reduce disruption during the reserve’s peak visitor period.
New pedestrian link from Sandy Bay Road
A new pathway will run from Sandy Bay Road along the southern side of the playground towards the café. Upgraded pole lighting is also included in the works.
Earlier consultation on the masterplan identified concerns about safe pedestrian access around parking areas and gaps in connections between facilities. The planning process also considered pedestrian links through the reserve and connections with the Manly Scenic Walkway.
Clontarf Reserve extends from Sandy Bay along Clontarf Beach towards Clontarf Point and is used for activities including picnicking, swimming and boating. It also connects with the Manly Scenic Walkway.
Masterplan dates back to 2019
The current works form part of a 10-year vision for Clontarf Reserve adopted by Northern Beaches Council on 27 August 2019.
Planning followed community consultation that began in 2018, when participants were asked how they used the reserve, what concerns should be considered and what improvements they wanted to see. Council said 1,200 people visited the project page, provided online comments or attended drop-in sessions during the initial consultation period.
Several parts of the masterplan have already been completed. The current landscaping and car park project is another component of the broader masterplan, with further works still proposed.
Stage 2 car park and landscaping works depend on future funding and completion of Sydney Water infrastructure work associated with the Middle Harbour Syphon. Council has not published a construction date for Stage 2.
Published 11-Sept-2026
