Community consultation opens for the future of Central Pier

Docklands residents can finally have their say about the vision of Central Pier and how it can be made a vibrant destination after Development Victoria (DV) launched public consultation.

The historic structure was permanently closed by DV in early 2020 due to safety issues and has since been left to deteriorate, presenting what the state government described as an “ongoing safety risk”.

With the pier’s western tip now removed, the government has since announced that DV would lodge a heritage permit application to remove the remaining “unsafe pier structure” to “ensure its safety and reliability for years to come”.

The permit application to demolish the pier will be considered under the requirements of the Victorian Heritage Act 2017 due to its registration as a place of historical significance to Docklands, and the City of Melbourne.  

In the meantime, DV has launched a public online survey in which it is inviting everyone to share their ideas for the future revitalisation of the pier and the adjacent waterfront and how they want to experience the area.

In addition, DV will host events where people can discuss their ideas in person as well as at an online webinar.

An online community workshop will be held on Tuesday, December 6 from 7pm-9pm, in which registrations are essential at https://bit.ly/3Sz5DU6

A “Stop by the Docklands” market will also be an opportunity for residents to talk in person with the DV team on the future of Central Pier and the waterfront.

The event will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 35 NewQuay Promenade, Docklands, from 12pm-4pm.

DV has allowed about three months for community engagement, but it will be reviewing this timeframe while the engagement process is underway to “make sure adequate time is allowed for all interested parties to provide their feedback”.

The demolition of Central Pier has been earmarked for the period between 2023 to 2024 while development for a business case will be under way next year.

“It is important to Development Victoria that we acknowledge Central Pier’s historical significance to Docklands and the City of Melbourne, and this will carry through in planned engagement activities,” DV said.

“Community and other key stakeholder feedback will play a vital role in helping shape the planning and delivery of a revitalised waterfront.”

Details of the online webinar and the venue for the stakeholder workshop will be published closer to the dates.

To complete the online survey, which closes December 22, visit engage.vic.gov.au/central-pier 

For more on the Stop by the Docklands market, visit:

whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/docklands-community-market