Restoration of shipping control tower continues

Restoration of shipping control tower continues
Sean Car

Development Victoria says it is aiming to complete restoration of the historic North Wharf Shipping Tower by the middle of the year, but that it isn’t currently considering future uses for the structure.

Scaffolding continues to surround the heritage maritime structure with Development Victoria carrying out essential works, including re-rendering the external control tower, concrete repairs and replacement of external windows.

With works having begun in June last year, Development Victoria said it was also improving electrical safety and lighting throughout the tower and repairing the crow’s nest ahead of expected completion by mid-2025 – around nine months behind its original schedule announced in May last year.

“The North Wharf Shipping Tower is a historical gem, and our focus was to maintain the integrity of the structure to ensure the tower continues to have its place in Docklands for many more years,” a Development Victoria spokesperson told Docklands News.

However, DV added that, “currently we are not considering other uses for this structure.”

 Since Development Victoria announced its restoration program in May last year, many ideas have been floated for the heritage control tower, including a high-end restaurant and art gallery.

The tower was built in 1966 to coordinate shipping, towage pilots and emergency services in the busy port and was decommissioned in 1994 when the port facilities at Docklands were relocated further west to the Port of Melbourne.

Designed by architect C J Smith, the structure once housed a lift, stairs and two decks, one for observation duties containing radar and communication equipment and the other housing amenities for its 24 hours daily operation. •

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