One of Melbourne’s biggest ever pier upgrades is now underway as major works begin on the Andrews Labor Government’s $53 million St Kilda Pier Redevelopment project.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said barge and excavator works will soon begin, including installing the first of more than 220 steel piles. The new pier will also feature over 400 square metres of Australian timber decking sourced from a First Nations certified company. The new decking will extend to Catani Gardens, providing a welcoming entrance.
Stage one of the project will also include the construction of the new penguin viewing boardwalk. Once complete, this will better protect the famous St Kilda penguin colony and include a new viewing platform to watch the animals return to their burrows each evening after a day of fishing in the open water.
Extensive planning has been critical to ensure the area’s sensitive marine habitat is protected. Parks Victoria and Earthcare St Kilda will undertake regular monitoring throughout construction to ensure the safety of the Little Penguin colony.
The new pier will feature a spectacular curved design with a wider and more accessible walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and a new community space near the kiosk. The redevelopment will also include a low landing constructed near the foreshore, providing easier access to ferry and tour operator vessels for passengers.
The existing pier will remain open during construction as much as possible until the completion of the project in 2024. To minimise disturbance to weekend trading and events the works will mostly be restricted to weekdays.
The Labor Government is also investing in other much-loved piers and jetties around the state, with the 2022/23 Victorian Budget providing $18 million in funding for works at Hampton, Rye, Flinders, McLoughlins Beach, Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance, Williamstown and Mornington.
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As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“St Kilda Pier is one of Melbourne’s most recognisable landmarks and this project will transform the much-loved bayside icon, providing an even better experience for the hundreds of thousands of Victorians and tourists that visit each year.”
“This is one of the biggest projects of its kind in Melbourne’s history, and this demonstrates our dedication to planning, investing and delivering these important projects for the community.”
As stated by Member for Albert Park Martin Foley
“We are getting on with delivering these major works at St Kilda Pier and it will be exciting to see this project begin to take shape in coming weeks and months.”
“This project will ensure St Kilda retains its vibrant, beachfront character and will offer improved accessibility for locals and visitors and better protection for its cutest visitors – the resident Little Penguin colony.”
