Demolition and modernisation of the Boathouse Palm Beach cafe has now begun

Brothers Ben and Jono Isaac’s plans to refurbish and expand their network of eateries is coming to fruition. 

The brothers, who run Isaac Property Developments, became part owners of the popular Boathouse dinning empire, when they bought into the then financially troubled Boathouse Group in mid-2019.

Their latest acquisition will see them take hold of a Northern Beaches property in Terrey Hills. 

The pair has outlaid $9.8 million on a 1.6 hectare not far from the Terrey Hills Tavern. They are also refurbishing the network of eateries including one of its oldest outlets, on the edge of Pittwater at Palm Beach.

Demolition of the Boathouse Palm Beach, which leases the premises on the wharf, in addition to a boat hire shop and a seaplane charter business, began this week.

In June 2021, the Manly Daily reported that the owners of the property, a group of Palm Beach families, was looking to replace the crumbling building with a “like for like” modernised building.

The Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel granted permission for the demolition and construction in December last year.

At the time, Boathouse group managing director, Andrew Goldsmith said the “new building has the same footprint as the existing one.

“The landlord wants to rebuild in the same weatherboard style and have the same casual cafe feel.

“The difference is there will be bigger bathrooms and the kitchen will be larger and modern.

“It is a necessary thing, the rebuild is well overdue. The upstairs is in a bad condition.”

The plans also include formalising 10 carparking spots with markings that already exist.

The Boathouse Group has also been renovating the heritage-listed Manly Pavilion, on West Esplanade on Manly Cove.

While doors are expected to officially open in April, the Group will honour a booking made by former lease holders to host the Aqua Rugby two-day event that begins in Manly on 4 March.

“We will honour this booking and be open for this event,” Goldsmith said. “However, we will officially open a few weeks later.”

Irit Jackson, 22^nd February 2022