The proposal to open a Hard Rock Cafe live music venue is causing waves. But there is plenty happening as well s well.

There are other major changes in the built environment of the Corso with Development Applications currently being considered by Council for the Steyne Hotel, and the approved International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) DA opposite the former Council Chamber as well as the Royal Far West site along the Steyne.

Now open for submission till 13 June is a shop top apartment conversion for 19- 23 The Corso (former Chemist Warehouse now Kidstuff building), described in the application to include new retail spaces at the ground floor of 19-21 The Corso as well as building services (waste room etc). The three upper building levels of 19-23 The Corso will be reconfigured into twelve apartments, being nine two-bedroom apartments and three one-bedroom apartments. Each apartment will be provided with a new balcony or wintergarden to provide outdoor living spaces. Existing light wells will be enhanced to increase amenity and natural light into what are existing, substandard residential dwellings. New private open space areas will also be provided to the eastern apartments. A communal rooftop area is proposed on the top of 19-21 The Corso for communal open space purposes. The existing strata building, which is currently not accessible, will also be upgraded to enable compliant building services, fire stair and lift arrangements. The existing strata building, which is the subject of Fire Order No EPA2020/0234, will also be upgraded to enable compliance.

Council has no solid plans as yet for the reuse of the Former Manly Town Hall