Central Pier closure — safety must come first

Safety has and always will be the primary concern for workers, residents and businesses at Docklands. 

The investigation and assessment has revealed that despite previous repairs, the rate of deterioration to the piles that support the pier is accelerating due to rot, marine borer and termite attacks.

With public safety the number one priority, Development Victoria cannot reopen the pier while there remains an ongoing risk to the public. 

Due to the complexity and age of the structure of the pier, repairs required to bring the pier back into service would be extensive.

“Even if we were to invest significant funds and time in repairs, our engineers advise the issues will continue to resurface without ongoing specialist maintenance work. This investment would still not guarantee that the pier can be made safe for public access in the medium to long term due to its ongoing deterioration,” CEO of Development Victoria, Angela Skandarajah said.

It is for that reason Development Victoria has made the decision not to reopen Central Pier.

The tenant of Central Pier has been advised of the decision and support will be available through the Workers in Transition Service.

“We appreciate that this is not the news businesses and staff hoping to return to Central Pier want to hear. It has been a difficult decision and we regret that the pier must remain closed. But we cannot support a lengthy and expensive repair program that cannot guarantee the pier’s safety for public use,” she said.

Development Victoria remains committed to ensuring a future for Central Pier, which is an important heritage asset at the heart of Docklands. 

Development Victoria will work closely with Heritage Victoria, the community and a range of other stakeholders to identify opportunities to rebuild the pier so it can be safely used by the community.

Central Pier is an historic structure with some parts more than 100 years old. 

Extensive repairs have been performed over time and over the past three years, Development Victoria has invested $7 million on rectification works to stabilise the pier.

Development Victoria closed the pier on 28 August 2019 in accordance with the Lease by notice expiring on 6 January 2020. This decision was made following advice from its engineering consultant that despite all efforts to stabilise Central Pier, there had been deterioration of the structure at an accelerated rate and the pier was not safe for occupation. 

Following that notice a 15-week period of extensive investigations and engineering assessments were undertaken into the status of Central Pier. 

These investigations have confirmed the rate of deterioration continues to accelerate. 

Lauren McKenzie
Acting Director Corporate Affairs, Development Victoria

0408 798 777

lauren.mckenzie@development.vic.gov.au