Key details
LocationDocklands
Overview
The next steps in the revitalisation of Central Pier and adjacent waterfront have begun. In October 2022, Heritage Victoria approved a permit application to remove the unsafe pier structure from the water.
Central Pier was permanently closed in early 2020 due to safety issues and the structure is continuing to deteriorate. The permit application was considered under the requirements of the Heritage Act 2017. It is important to Development Victoria that we acknowledge Central Pier’s historical significance to Docklands and the city of Melbourne.
The western tip of the pier has now been removed from Victoria Harbour. This section was no longer connected to the main pier structure and had been structurally unsound for several years.
Development Victoria will continue to work closely 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 to create a vibrant waterfront destination.
The pier forms part of Victoria Dock, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (#H1720).
Next steps
Assessing the safe removal of Central Pier
We have appointed specialist marine contractor Fitzgerald Constructions Australia as the lead contractor to assess how to safely remove Central Pier from Victoria Harbour.
In 2022 Fitzgerald Constructions completed the project to remove the western tip of Central Pier.
Fitzgerald Constructions has mobilised on site at NewQuay West and will undertake investigative works on the safest way to remove the pier from mid-March 2023. These works will take approximately six months to complete.
Removal of Central Pier is the first step in revitalising the waterfront along Harbour Esplanade, Docklands.
The revitalisation of Central Pier community engagement
Thank you to everyone who took part in our online consultation and engagement about the future for Central Pier and the adjacent waterfront. This phase of consultation concluded on 22 December, with lots of good ideas received.
So, what happens next?
We are collating everyone's feedback into a report and will share the outcomes with you in the new year.
If you would like to be kept up to date with the revitalisation of Central Pier, please register your interest above or email enquiries.engage@development.vic.gov.au.
Feedback from online community engagement workshop on 6 December 2022
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FAQ
Following the closure of Central Pier, further investigations were undertaken to assess the condition of the structure and the future of the pier and adjacent waterfront.
These investigations found underlying safety concerns with the pier and previous engineering advice that the pier’s condition was irretrievable. Development Victoria commenced planning for the safe removal of the pier by lodging an application to Heritage Victoria for a permit to remove the pier from the water. This application was approved by Heritage Victoria in October 2022.
No. We have installed permanent hoarding around Central Pier which is around 125 metres long to ensure it is secure and unable to be accessed. It is important the pier is secure and safe while we undertake the removal of the Central Pier structure.
For safety reasons, the removal of the pier will be undertaken from barges in the harbour as the structure is unsafe and unable to support any equipment.
Victoria Dock, including Central Pier is of state significance and included on the Victorian Heritage Register. We will be following all appropriate processes to ensure we understand what is required from a heritage perspective. We will continue to work with Heritage Victoria, plus other key stakeholders, about the future of the pier.
Heritage Victoria has approved Development Victoria’s permit application to remove the unsafe pier structure from the water and we will comply with all permit conditions.
No. The engineering advice is that the pier structure has deteriorated significantly and is irretrievable. It is more than 100 years old, and the structure has been in the water for a very long time. Development Victoria recognises the heritage value of Victoria Dock and Central Pier, and any future plans will reflect its heritage significance.
Victoria Dock, including Central Pier, is of state significance and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register. We will be following all appropriate processes to ensure we understand what is required from a heritage perspective.
We will continue to work with Heritage Victoria and other key stakeholders to explore ways to continue to celebrate the heritage of Victoria Dock for many more years to come.
Central Pier is no longer safe for occupation or public access.
In late 2021, Development Victoria received approval from Heritage Victoria to remove the western tip of Central Pier from Victoria Harbour. It was removed in 2022.
In October 2022, Heritage Victoria approved a permit for Development Victoria to remove the remaining unsafe pier structure from the water.
Specialist marine contractor Fitzgerald Constructions Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to progress the removal of Central Pier in the heart of Docklands.
The pier was permanently closed in January 2020 due to safety issues. This decision was based on specialist advice on the pier’s condition, which noted that even with further maintenance, there was no guarantee Central Pier would be safe for ongoing occupation.
The contract was awarded after a competitive public process conducted by Development Victoria, the State Government’s major projects agency and property developer.
In 2022 Fitzgerald Constructions completed the project to remove the western tip of Central Pier.
Fitzgerald Constructions will evaluate the safest way to remove the pier before removal work is anticipated to begin in the second half of 2023. The removal of the pier is expected to take several years to complete.
The pier was closed for safety reasons following engineering advice. Additional advice from independent engineers is that it is not possible to safely repair the pier because of its current dilapidated condition and associated safety issues.
The safety of workers and visitors has always been the primary concern in considering the future of Central Pier.
Given the current dilapidated condition of the pier structure and safety concerns the pier must now be removed from the water.
From 15 October to 22 December 2022, Development Victoria undertook stakeholder and community consultation on the revitalisation of Central Pier and adjoining waterfront via an online survey on the Engage Victoria website, as well as an online community session and an in-person session with the Victoria Point Owners Corporation.
An Engagement Summary Report will be released in May 2023.
The feedback gained from the community engagement process will be used to inform the development of a Place Principles and Vision Strategy, which will guide the future revitalisation of the pier and adjacent waterfront. The Place Principles and Vision Strategy is anticipated to be publicly released later in 2023.
There will be further opportunities for the community to engage and provide feedback as the strategy and plans for Central Pier and adjacent waterfront are developed. We are at the start of the journey to revitalise Central Pier and the adjacent waterfront, and no decisions have been made at this early stage.
Updated on 26 May 2023