Demolition to start

Work will start on the $16 million demolition of Harbour Esplanade’s four concrete wharves this month.

According to Places Victoria general manager precincts Simon Wilson, the works are necessary because the wharves are more than 100 years old and need to be replaced.

A permit application Places Victoria made to Heritage Victoria this year showed the wharves were in poor condition, with photographs showing that many of the timber piles supporting the wharves were deteriorating.

“These initial works will include demolishing the wharves, pinning of the existing sea wall and amenity works to the sea bed,” Mr Wilson said.

“Melbourne motorists, sports fans, workers and residents of Docklands need not worry about impacts from these works as we’ve worked closely with our contractors and Central Pier tenants to minimise the impact of these works.”

Site establishment and early work started in October but no visible or audible work will begin until mid-November.

The removal of the four wharves is expected to take around eight months, with completion anticipated in mid-2014.

There are plans to reconstruct the wharf decks when the masterplan for Harbour Esplanade is realised. It’s possible the first of two wharves will be rebuilt as soon as late next year, pending funding and approval.

The upgrade of the wharves is the first step in preparing Harbour Esplanade for its redevelopment.

Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne are currently working on the masterplan design for Harbour Esplanade, which will be open for community consultation early next year.

“The vision for Harbour Esplanade is to see it become the jewel in Docklands’ crown – a place that preserves and enhances key views and heritage elements, embraces the waterfront, fosters public life and is comfortable and appealing,” Mr Wilson said.

According to Cr Kevin Louey, the masterplan will rejuvenate Harbour Esplanade and would include elements that reflect Docklands’ maritime history, such as heritage sheds.

“It has the potential to feature cafes or restaurants, providing a perfect location for temporary or permanent events and attractions,” Cr Louey said.

The redevelopment of Harbour Esplanade was one of the projects include in the Docklands Community and Place Plan released last year.