Community’s vision for Central Pier captured in engagement report

Community passion for the revitalisation of Central Pier and adjoining waterfront remains strong with the release of the Central Pier Community Engagement Report.

Creating an iconic waterfront destination that attracts visitors to Docklands, walking and bike paths that connect to the water and environment are key take outs of the report.

The report details the results of the 10 vision statements presented to the community which outlined how Development Victoria can revitalise Central Pier and the adjoining waterfront. 

It included previously established principles, that a future central Pier would enrich and celebrate First Nations connections and would be accessible for everyone. 

The remaining eight vision statements were open to community feedback. This feedback is being used to help inform the development of a Place Principles and Vision Strategy that will establish the vision for the future revitalisation of the pier and adjoining waterfront areas.

The Central Pier Community Engagement Report is now available online and follows a widespread engagement campaign where over 290 people shared their thoughts during a 10-week period in 2022. 

Development Victoria’s Group Head Precincts Niall Cunningham said the community’s response highlighted their desire for Central Pier and adjoining waterfronts areas to be a welcoming and appealing space for visitors and locals, while preserving its rich culture and heritage.

“This feedback has been vital in helping us prepare a Place Principles and Vision Strategy to guide future planning and concepts.

“The Place Principles and Vision Strategy is currently being developed with input from an advisory panel of experts in the fields of cultural place making, urban design,architecture and sustainability along with representation from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

“The draft strategy will be shared with the community for further consultation later this year. The final document will then be used to guide and in form the development of interim and long-term options for the area while the demolition of the pier is underway,” Mr Cunningham said.

Development Victoria will continue to engage with Heritage Victoria, the City of Melbourne, the community and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for the revitalisation of Central Pier and adjacent waterfront areas to create a vibrant waterfront destination.

Central Pier was permanently closed in early 2020 due to safety issues and has continued to deteriorate, presenting an ongoing safety risk.

Development Victoria has started the process of removing Central Pier with the appointment of Fitzgerald Constructions Australia as the lead contractor to remove the structure.

Fitzgerald Constructions has commenced site mobilisation and is preparing an evaluation to determine the safest way to remove the structure.

Removal work is anticipated to begin by the second half of 2023 and expected to take several years to complete.