Victorian Government’s redevelopment of Altona Pier nears as residents question Christmas opening

Stunning aerial shots have revealed the eagerly anticipated Altona Pier is well underway, however, locals fear it won’t be ready in time for summer.

The hotly anticipated redevelopment of Altona Pier is taking shape, but with the deadline fast approaching residents have questioned whether it will be opened ahead of summer holidays.

Construction along the 310m structure is “well-advanced”, according to the state government, and an aerial view has revealed all piles are in place from the The Esplanade into Port Phillip Bay.

The installation of decking is also underway.

The new Altona Pier has begun to take shape in Port Phillip Bay with residents questioning whether it will be open in time for the Christmas break. Picture: Supplied

Works began on the pier in May this year and Parks Victoria has maintained the deadline of “late 2023” would be met.

Its website does outline, however, that “timings are estimated and may be subject to change”.

While residents on social media have commented on their excitement for the completion of the project some have questioned whether the project will be complete ahead of summer holidays.

A concept render for how the completed Altona Pier redevelopment will appear. Picture: Supplied

“Looks to me it won’t be finished by December,” one resident said.

“Any ideas on the opening date?,” another added.

“Wasn’t it supposed to be finished last month? Or was it this month?

In a press release late last month, the state government said the redevelopment was “rapidly taking shape ahead of opening this summer” and would deliver a lasting benefits for the community and improve connection to the water for locals and tourists.

A July aerial shot of the redevelopment showing how far the project has come. Picture: Supplied

The $11.9m redevelopment is expected to deliver improved accessibility and include safety features such as lighting, handrails and a turning bay for emergency vehicle.

Efforts to demolish and safely remove the old pier have also progressed, with appropriate timbre being salvaged to feature in the Altona Foreshore Redevelopment and other public projects.