Future of heritage vessels in Docklands remains unclear

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Sean Car

Heritage boating operators continue to await answers regarding their long-term futures in Docklands from Development Victoria, which says it expects to provide more information “in the coming weeks”.

It comes as developer Lendlease ramps up construction of its project along North Wharf, where heritage vessels including Alma Doepel, steamtug Wattle and the Enterprize have been berthed for many years.

As reported by Docklands News in July last year, the Alma’s restoration director Dr Peter Harris said it was working towards sailing again and launching its youth training programs by early December 2026.

But the Alma and a string of operators who also call the wharf home are still uncertain as to where they will be relocated to while Lendlease completes its mixed-use developments.

Docklands News understands that the City of Melbourne, which manages Docklands’ waterways, wants to lease land underneath the Bolte Bridge at Yarra’s Edge to establish an operational precinct.

With the land at the Bolte West precinct owned by Development Victoria (DV), it’s understood that the council’s proposal includes facilities for heritage boating operators to store their goods currently housed in the North Wharf sheds.

A DV spokesperson said it continued to work with the City of Melbourne “to explore what opportunities may exist to continue to support maritime based organisations and activities at Docklands.”

“Docklands remains pivotal in meeting the demand for housing near Melbourne’s CBD, with Lendlease’s Collins Wharf set to deliver more homes for Victorians in this thriving precinct,” a DV spokesperson said.

“We recognise Docklands’ maritime heritage and have worked with Lendlease and the City of Melbourne to accommodate maritime-based organisations and businesses at North Wharf for as long as possible ahead of development and expect to inform them of timelines in the coming weeks.”

A City of Melbourne spokesperson said that it was assisting DV with discussions on potential sites for the heritage fleet. •

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