Central Pier works

A rehabilitation program to stabilise a section of the Central Pier at Docklands has started, with the works expected to take several months.

 

Central Pier is more than 100 years old and the current works are part of a structural upgrade program to ensure the Pier’s integrity and continued use.

 

Development Victoria is managing the program and is also working with tenants and users of Central Pier to ensure there is minimal disruption during the busy summer period.

 

“We have liaised with tenants and stakeholders of Central Pier and they understand the importance of this program,” Development Victoria’s Group Head Precincts, Geoff Ward said.

 

“Central Pier is such an iconic piece of maritime infrastructure in Melbourne and this work is important for its future use.”

 

The maintenance program includes removing pre-cast concrete slabs and replacing them with a reinforced slab, removal and replacement of timber bearings, and the removal and reinstatement of the steps on the north side of Central Pier, including a new wheelchair accessible ramp.

 

All work has been designed to ensure minimal impact to the businesses on Central Pier, which remain open.

 

Hatem Saleh, the CEO of the Atlantic Group, which manages the hospitality businesses on Central Pier, said it was one of the nation’s oldest and most valuable waterfront destinations.

 

“Historically the thriving working piers in Docklands played a critical role in the development of Melbourne as an international city. Central Pier is the only existing wooden pier structure of its kind in Australia, and the oldest in the world, and it needs ongoing rejuvenation,” he said.

 

“We are privileged to call this iconic waterfront runway our home and we will continue to support Development Victoria with the ongoing maintenance program but also want our loyal customers and patrons to know we will remain open during the maintenance program.”

 

The current program is the third phase in a series of works that commenced in 2017. Development Victoria has also worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the City of Melbourne to safeguard this prominent heritage asset.

 

The maintenance works on Central Pier will begin in January 2019 and sections of Central Pier have been closed to users. Development Victoria encourages patrons of the restaurants and hospitality venues, residents, commuters and other users of Central Pier to take note of contractor signage and access instructions during the maintenance works.