Central Pier vanishing before our eyes

Central Pier vanishing before our eyes
Sean Car

Development Victoria says it is continuing to make “good progress” on works to remove Central Pier, but an expected
end date remains unknown.

A spokesperson for Development Victoria (DV) confirmed that the removal of Shed 9 had been completed last month, with efforts continuing to remove the remainder of Shed 14.

While the demolition works are progressing better than many had expected, an exact date for when the entire structure will be removed remains unknown, as do plans for what will be constructed in its place.

A spokesperson for DV said, “we are exploring future redevelopment opportunities for Central Pier as part of the broader Docklands waterfront renewal and will continue to keep the community updated.”

The spokesperson added that DV would continue to engage with key stakeholders in the area as it considers opportunities for the revitalisation of Central Pier and adjacent waterfront areas, including “respecting the rich cultural heritage of Victoria Harbour”.

The removal of Central Pier from Victoria Harbour remains a key step in the state government’s long-awaited plans to revitalise the Docklands waterfront along Harbour Esplanade.

DV said that demolition works had complex marine engineering requirements and that it was continuing concrete removal works on the west and south of Shed 14, as well as removal of the central driveway between the two sheds.

Works to stabilise the sea wall and remove the concrete deck connecting the piers to Harbour Esplanade have also begun.

As reported in Docklands News, the engineer of Hobart’s floating Brooke Street Pier Jim Gandy presented his model at an event at AFL House in July last year, fuelling speculation that such a structure might be destined to replace Central Pier. •

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