Central Pier recycled into roads and new builds

More than 80% of the waste materials from the Central Pier demolition are receiving a new lease on life in construction and manufacturing across Victoria.

So far, approximately 10,000 tonne of steel, concrete and bricks, timber and e-waste from the pier have been recycled by Victorian-based companies, underpinning Development Victoria’s goals to support both sustainable construction and local business.

Group Head Precincts Niall Cunningham said minimising waste in construction is a key focus of Development Victoria’s commitment to sustainability.

Niall Cunningham
Group Head Precincts

The materials have been put to a range of uses, made possible by the specialist skills of local businesses:

• Delta Recycling in Sunshine has effectively transformed the concrete and brick waste into valuable construction materials and road bases. All materials produced are VicRoads Approved, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• InfraBuild in Laverton efficiently recycles ferrous steel waste transported from Central Pier to their facility producing various steel products which are distributed for use in construction and manufacturing.
• Highett Metals in Mordialloc recycles non-ferrous metal waste using advanced technologies and the recycled material is distributed for use in new products.
• Jaks Timber in South Melbourne recycles high-quality wood to create new products such as furniture, flooring or beams. Any remaining wood is recycled into wood chips, mulch, biofuel, or composite wood products.

The removal of Central Pier from Victoria Harbour is a key step in the Victorian Government’s plans to revitalise this waterfront in the heart of Docklands.

Specialist marine contractor Fitzgerald Constructions Australia has been engaged to utilise their highly credentialled engineering capabilities to carefully remove Central Pier.

Works to remove the pier are progressing well with removal of Shed 9 on track for completion in 2024.

Development Victoria will continue to engage with key stakeholders in the area as we consider opportunities for the revitalisation of Central Pier and adjacent waterfront areas, including respecting the rich cultural heritage of the Victoria Harbour.