Alma Doepel restoration needs more money

Alma Doepel restoration needs more money

Around $1.7 million is needed to complete the restoration of Docklands’ historical three-masted topsail schooner, the Alma Doepel.

At a fundraising event to celebrate the ship’s official re-homing in Melbourne last month, Sail and Adventure Limited (the company which owns the boat) chairman Alan Edenborough asked guests to consider supporting the project.

Held onboard the Lady Cutler at Melbourne City Marina, the Alma Doepel was towed across from Shed 2, allowing guests to see the progress the restoration team has already made.

The ship’s port of registry was previously Hobart, but Mr Edenborough said it had been changed to acknowledge the support of the City of Melbourne and the ship’s long connection with the city.

“Alma Doepel has been associated with the city for much of her 110 year life,” Mr Edenborough said.

“She’s a living example of a time past. When life was lived far differently than today. When ships such as Alma thronged the ports.”

“She represents our history and our heritage. Alma is something the world and Melbourne cannot afford to lose.”

He said the Alma Doepel played a part in providing a sense of place in Docklands, in activating the waterways and in providing real links with the heritage of Docklands.

The Alma Doepel has been undergoing restoration at Shed 2 in Docklands since 2009, with 30,000 hours of volunteer work clocked up in that time, according to Mr Edenborough.

The Alma Doepel is expected to become a key part of the Harbour Esplanade redevelopment and the restoration team are aiming to have her completed and ready for positioning on Australia Day, 2016.

The City of Melbourne committed $300,000 to the restoration project in 2012 and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle also spoke at the fundraising event.

According to Cr Doyle, feedback from the recent consultation on Harbour Esplanade’s development has indicated the public wants connectivity, activation and recognition of the past.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if what people saw as they came down LaTrobe St and into Docklands was Alma Doepel, moored there at her home base in her home port,” Cr Doyle said.

Cr Doye said this would provide activation through people visiting the ship, was a “nod towards the past” and the maritime industry of the city and connects to the Hoddle grid and the “original city”.

“So Alma could play a very crucial role in fulfilling all those things we want for Docklands and the city,” Cr Doyle said.

He said he would also like to see the car park at the end of Central Pier demolished and the original heritage sheds restored either side of Central Pier, creating a “T” shape.

Cr Doyle called on corporate and individual sponsors to contribute the continued restoration of the Alma Doepel, saying the current funding was running out.

“I hope some of you will think this is a project that is worthy of its support in its own right, but also for what it can bring to Docklands and to Melbourne,” he said.

Restoration director Peter Harris told Docklands News while no funding had been committed since the event, there had been “various indications that conversations are happening about contributing”.

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