Central Pier repair works

Works to stabilise a substantial part of the main entrance to Central Pier is under way, after structural faults were discovered late last year.

Central Pier is more than 100 years old and Development Victoria (DV) says the current works are part of a structural upgrade program to ensure the pier’s integrity and continued use.

DV is managing the program and is also working with tenants and users of the pier to ensure minimal disruption during the busy summer period.

“We have liaised with tenants and stakeholders of Central Pier and they understand the importance of this program,” DV’s group head precincts, Geoff Ward, said.

“Central Pier is such an iconic piece of maritime infrastructure in Melbourne and this work is important for its future use.”

The state government agency predicts the works will take several months and includes removing pre-cast concrete slabs and replacing them with a reinforced slab, removal and replacement of timber bearings, and the removal and reinstatement of the steps on the north side of Central Pier, including a new wheelchair accessible ramp.

All work has been designed to ensure minimal impact to Atlantic Group businesses on Central Pier, which remain open.

Atlantic Group CEO Hatem Saleh said the pier was one of the nation’s oldest and most valuable waterfront destinations.

“Historically the thriving working piers in Docklands played a critical role in the development of Melbourne as an international city. Central Pier is the only existing wooden pier structure of its kind in Australia, and the oldest in the world, and it needs ongoing rejuvenation,” he said.

“We are privileged to call this iconic waterfront runway our home and we will continue to support Development Victoria with the ongoing maintenance program but also want our loyal customers and patrons to know we will remain open during the maintenance program.”

The current program is the third phase in a series of works that started in 2017. Development Victoria has also worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the City of Melbourne to safeguard this prominent heritage asset. 

Some sections of Central Pier have been closed to users. DV encourages patrons of the restaurants and hospitality venues, residents, commuters and other users of Central Pier to take note of contractor signage and access instructions during the maintenance works.