Manly Development & Education

Together with its resort town reputation, Manly is receiving worldwide attention as an education destination, with close to 5000* students enrolled over the summer months in Manly’s seven major educational facilities. Supporting the influx of students, an estimated 90 million dollars approved for new developments and infrastructure upgrades in 2008/2009.1

Attracting a multicultural mix of students from more than sixty countries including Switzerland, North America, Japan, Korea, China and of course Australia, Manly is a melting pot of cosmopolitan cultures is a winner both sociologically and financially.

“As residents of Manly, our students are shopping, dining and where visas permit, working locally; their integration into the local environment and support of the community is an important measure in our holistic approach to leadership learning”, says Frank Prestipino, General Manager of the award winning International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), one of Australia’s premier education providers.

 “From our first intake in 1996 of 62 students to 1000 for the 2008 ICMS academic year alone, the growth in local student numbers is certainly impressive.”

Also recognised internationally are Manly’s English language colleges, the Australian College of English and Sydney English Academy.  With an increasing number of students each year, demand for local accommodation is also increasing says Karen Sainsbury, President of Manly’s Chamber of Commerce.

 “The Manly Pacific Sydney, part of the international Novotel chain of hotels is expected to complete its multi million dollar refurbishment in 2008, and there is to be many new residential apartments ready for sale in the next two years.

Together with new boutiques and restaurants for the retail precinct (four confirmed to open in 2008) and stage two of the Corso’s ten million dollar upgrade due to be completed by September, the year ahead is looking bright.

With eight major developments already well underway, and plans to upgrade and extend the North Steyne Footpath and precinct’s Laneways currently being considered, Manly is clearly confident the visitor numbers will continue to soar.
 
*Figure excludes backpackers. 2300 students during the winter period.