Wall & Gardens

Constructed in the 1930s, the stone walls and gardens along the Royal Esplanade were built as a result of government relief works and a movement to reclaim and beautify the seafront. Wynnum, Manly and Lota had become popular as seaside locales, and Manly had improved its appeal with the addition of bathing boxes in 1929. After the impacts of the Depression were felt, government-funded projects were undertaken to provide relief work for the unemployed. The stone retaining wall was one of several constructed in this period and was erected as part of the improvement of the Esplanade between Manly and Lota. The gardens were planted under a beautification scheme, following complaints from residents that the walls had destroyed the scenic beauty of the open, grassy banks. The wall and gardens continue to provide protection and privacy for the houses along the Esplanade, as well as evidence of the government relief projects of the 1930s.