Shipping Control Tower update

When port infrastructure in Docklands (Victoria Harbour, Central Pier) was heritage listed, it was inexplicable that the Shipping Control Tower was omitted.

One could speculate that this omission at the end of North Wharf led to the absence of adequate maintenance, which has now resulted in extensive stabilisation and remediation works.

As technology advanced and the volume of maritime trade in different locations in the wider Port of Melbourne increased, the current tower, built in 1966, replaced a smaller wooden structure. As well as greater height and new technology, this tower was angled to allow port staff to monitor and coordinate port traffic and operations all the way down the river and into the Bay. It ceased operation in 1983 and was decommissioned in 1994.

The two-deck observation area was accessed via lift and stairs. The top deck housed radar and communication equipment, while the lower deck had amenities to enable 24-hour a day operation. Innovation in freight operations (e.g. bulk and break-bulk cargo, refrigeration roll-on roll-off vehicle transportation) and wider public access to port information resulted in the tower and its services becoming obsolete.

Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network (MMHN) is delighted to see the care with which Development Victoria is conducting major maintenance works on the Docklands Shipping Control Tower on North Wharf.

Not unexpectedly, given the age of the tower, non-standard new window frames and glass panels are required for the project. As part of the tower works, the restored observation or lookout structure on top of the tower was removed, remediated, repainted and reinstalled.

Improvements to electrical and security systems have also been made, as well as a new roof membrane that will keep the tower secure and weatherproof. The project is due for completion in mid-2025.

Squid Mural

When we reflect on the marvellous Development Victoria remedial work on the Shipping Control Tower, we should also propose that DV consider the fate of the landmark Squid Mural covering the back wall of the shed which is currently used by the Heritage Fleet.

Back in 2023 Sean Car (Docklands News 11/2023) wrote: “Many locals may not even be aware that at very end of the North Wharf boat sheds lies a colourful underwater creature greeting those entering Victoria Harbour from the water.”

“Artist Mike Maka was commissioned by Development Victoria to paint the end of the boat shed at North Wharf in preparation for the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race as a way of greeting arrivals on their entrance to the harbour and to showcase Melbourne as a creative city.”

“His murals will be well known to many Melburnians as he has painted some famous works at many iconic locations throughout the city, including Melbourne Aquarium, the corner of Meyers Place and Bourke Street, and AC/DC Lane”.

Given DV plans that these sheds are demolished, MMHN is seeking assurance from DV that they will be retained and used elsewhere in the Docklands precinct. Be sure to look at this Docklands heritage asset. We await news. •