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Two men and one woman standing on a boat, hands on the railing and an Alma Doepel sign in front of them
Senior Development Manager, Luke and Development Manager, Joanna with Peter Harris from Alma Doepel

Development Victoria continues to support restoration of one of Australia’s oldest surviving tall ships, the Docklands-based Alma Doepel.

Timber from the century-old western tip of Central Pier, which was removed from Victoria Harbour last year, is being recycled to help restore the 119-year-old vessel to its former glory and be used for youth sail training programs.

Development Victoria’s Acting Group Head Precincts Niall Cunningham said it was fantastic to see parts of the western tip of Central Pier remain connected with the waters of Victoria Harbour.

“We are proud to be a long-time supporter of this project to restore the historic Alma Doepel.

“Development Victoria staff have also volunteered their time to help the restoration team as they work towards getting this fantastic ship back into operation.

“Timbers from North Wharf previously salvaged by Development Victoria have been recurved and laminated into the ship’s structure.

We are proud to be a long-time supporter of this project to restore the historic Alma Doepel.

“Central Pier has been an important part of Docklands’ story and it’s great that its legacy can live on in the waters of Victoria Harbour through reusing some of its timber in the rebuild of this ship,” Mr Cunningham said.

The project to remove the western tip of Central Pier was completed in August 2022.

Development Victoria worked closely with Heritage Victoria on the permit process required to remove the western tip, which had been inaccessible for several years after being deemed structurally unsound and was disconnected from Central Pier in 2017.

Central Pier was permanently closed in early 2020 due to safety issues. Development Victoria lodged a permit application with Heritage Victoria in August 2022 to remove the remaining unsafe pier structure from the water. The permit was granted by Heritage Victoria in October 2022.

Alma Doepel Restoration Director Dr Peter Harris OAM has thanked Development Victoria for another generous contribution to the project.

“This historic timber is being built into the ship, valued and appreciated by the current and future generations of crews, trainees, guests and visitors,” Dr Harris said.

Visit the Alma Doepel website for more information.

Updated on 15 May 2024