Altona Pier redevelopment: First look at $10 million upgrade plan

One of Melbourne’s most popular public spaces is set to be transformed, with a $10 million upgrade of Altona Pier about to begin. Check out the designs.

New images have been released revealing the design of the new look Altona Pier. Picture: Parks Victoria.

The 134-year-old Altona Pier is set to be transformed, with work on a $10 million upgrade to begin later this year.

The designs of the redevelopment have finally been revealed, two years after the project was first announced.

Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne released concept designs for the $10 million revitalisation on Monday for the popular pier, saying the improvements will transform one of Melbourne’s most vibrant public spaces.

As the main public pier between Werribee South and Port Melbourne, the Altona pier draws a large number of visitors for fishing, exercise and recreation.

Altona Pier is set to be transformed with a $10 million upgrade set to get underway this year. Picture: Parks Victoria.

Funding for the project was first announced in July 2020 after a structural assessment of the pier found the 134-year-old structure was nearing the end of its functional life.

Part of the pier was closed to the public the following year after a section broke off during wild weather in June 2021, with only the first 130m now publicly accessible.

The pier was originally constructed in 1888 to transport prospective residents to the area surrounding Altona Bay by steamship.

A new image of the Altona Pier upgrade. Picture: Parks Victoria.

The new design will feature a y-shaped head with a large, functional community space and better access for people exercising or fishing at Altona beach.

Construction is slated to begin late this year and is expected to be completed by late 2023.

The project coincides with a $12.9 million project by the Hobsons Bay Council to redevelop the Altona foreshore which aims to “revitalise” the space.

The council has already begun work to improve the beach access and the project is expected to be completed by December 2023.