Work on the new St Kilda Pier will soon begin with the appointment of the lead construction partner following a two-stage public tender process.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today announced Simpson Constructions would complete the $53 million St Kilda Pier Redevelopment project with off-site works starting shortly.
Construction alongside the existing St Kilda Pier is scheduled to start in early 2022, with the new pier due to be completed by early 2024.
What you need to know
- The $53 million St Kilda Pier Redevelopment project will start work soon
- Construction is scheduled to start in early 2022, completed by early 2024.
- It will feature accessible walkways, more toilets, tiered seating and a revamped penguin lookout
Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.
Featuring what the government is calling a “spectacular curved design” the new pier is set to have a wider and more accessible walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and a new community space near the kiosk, with the aim of ensuring the new look pier will ensure more people can enjoy one of Melbourne’s most popular locations.
“St Kilda Pier is an iconic part of Melbourne’s history and has played a key role in the city for many years. That’s why we’re investing in celebrating its past and ensuring this important facility continues to serve the community for many more years to come,” Horne said.
“The tender process attracted keen interest from high calibre marine and civil contractors, and we look forward to seeing this project takes shape, through the work of Simpson Constructions.”
The redevelopment will also provide better views over the city, while also better protecting the famous St Kilda penguin colony with a new viewing platform forming part of the design.
The new design sees the pier extended approximately 450 metres from the shore to the breakwater, and a low landing constructed near the foreshore, providing easier access for passengers to ferry and tour operator vessels.
The Andrews Labor Government has allocated an additional $3 million in funding to the project for further works to improve the integration of the pier with the foreshore. This integration complements the partnership between Parks Victoria and the City of Port Phillip to revitalise the St Kilda foreshore precinct.
Once complete, the government is saying these works will create an “iconic visitor entrance” to the pier and provide a better connection between the Catani Gardens and vibrant St Kilda neighbourhood.
St Kilda’s famous colony of Little Penguins will be monitored and cared for by Parks Victoria and Earthcare throughout construction. Penguins will be viewed safely from a distance while ensuring they can move freely without the current intrusions.
The existing pier will remain open as often as possible during construction before closing for removal in 2024.
For more design images and to sign up for the latest email updates, visit parks.vic.gov.au.
