Buoys and lights proposed to mark Central Pier’s “ghost” footprint

Docklands’ Victoria Harbour could soon play host to an unusual new feature – a grid of 145 floating buoys topped with flashing lights, designed to evoke the memory of the now-demolished Central Pier.

Docklands News has viewed a Heritage Interpretation Design Development document prepared for Development Victoria (DV), which sets out the concept for a temporary installation understood to be known as Echo.

While still officially a proposal, Docklands News understands that DV intends to press ahead with the project before the end of the year and that it’s expected to be in place for around two years.

The installation, which forms part of DV’s obligation under its Heritage Victoria permit to implement a heritage interpretation strategy, is described in the document as the “Ghost of Central Pier”.

Central Pier once stretched 500 metres into Victoria Harbour (as pictured below), accommodating up to six cargo ships at a time. By the early 2000s, only the two inner berths – about 170 metres long and 90 metres wide – remained.

It is this final footprint that the installation seeks to represent, through a grid of 145 marine buoys set 10 metres apart. Each standard 650mm diameter white marker buoy will float about 85cm above the water, topped with a solar-powered light capable of being seen from two to three nautical miles. The lights are programmed to flash individually on a slow rhythm – seven seconds on, three seconds off – creating an ever-shifting pattern across the harbour at night.

According to the design rationale, the installation aims to use “the void” left by the demolition of Central Pier as an interpretative tool. From the water’s edge, visitors would see long straight lines of buoys, while from a distance the grid would reveal the scale of the former pier. “The sheer scale of this grid will make a striking visual impression of the pier that once was,” the document states.

It adds that “this is in keeping with the Heritage Victoria permit condition 3a, in which it is proposed that ‘the interpretative element may take the form of a functional representation of the pier such as a marina, or a more creative representation of the pier such as a (permanent) art installation’.”

The proposal also includes interpretative elements along the timber edge where Central Pier once stood, such as markers, signage and pavement treatments explaining the significance of the installation.

A visual representation of the size of the light installation taken from the Heritage Interpretation Design Development document.

Docklands News understands DV has engaged Marine Buoys Australia Pty Ltd to deliver the project. The company, which manufactures and hires marker buoys and signage, has previously supplied major city events and businesses including White Night, Arbory Afloat and Moomba.

The cost of Echo has not been disclosed. Docklands News sent a series of questions to DV about project costs, whether the work was put out to tender, or if the community would be consulted prior to installation.

In response, DV’s acting executive general manager precincts Hannah Clement said it continued “to engage with stakeholders to explore opportunities across the broader Docklands precinct, as well as bring new energy and activity to Harbour Esplanade and Victoria Harbour following the removal of Central Pier.”

“A process is currently under way to identify how these opportunities can be realised, including delivering on the Central Pier Heritage Interpretation Strategy in line with the requirements of the heritage permit for the pier’s removal,” Ms Clements said.

DV said that any future vision for the waterfront would be guided by the Vision and Place Principles to ensure Central Pier and the adjacent waterfront was a focal point for Melburnians and visitors to gather in a welcoming space to reflect, flourish, celebrate, play and connect.

Subject to the necessary approvals, it added that it aimed to share the first stage of activation plans by the end of the year.

While the concept may offer a visually striking tribute, questions will undoubtedly be raised about whether the funds might be better directed. Harbour Esplanade continues to draw criticism for a lack of activation and permanent community facilities, with many residents calling for tangible investment rather than temporary gestures.

For some, however, the installation may represent a creative compromise. Following the pier’s demolition, many Docklanders have voiced support for keeping Victoria Harbour open, rather than rebuilding a major structure. Echo may provide a way to honour the site’s maritime history without locking the harbour into another costly development.

Still, the decision to pursue the project is not without controversy. Critics argue that DV’s piecemeal approach to Docklands activations lacks a broader vision for revitalising the waterfront, particularly as the government development agency winds down its involvement in the precinct ahead of its expected 2030 exit.

A Heritage Victoria spokesperson said, “we continue to work with Development Victoria on future plans for Central Pier,” adding that DV provides regular updates on options and plans for the future of Central Pier and surrounding areas, with reports submitted on a bi-annual basis.•