Abandoned Docklands shipping tower could be transformed into a first-class tourist attraction

A dilapidated shipping tower sitting unused on Melbourne’s waterfront could be transformed into a top tier tourist attraction.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Daniel Hibberd at the tower at the end North Wharf Rd, Docklands. Picture: Tony Gough

A disused shipping tower at Docklands could become a key attraction to lure more Melburnians and visitors to the waterfront precinct.

Ideas ranging from a high end restaurant to an arts installation have been suggested for the tower at the tip of North Wharf Rd near Bolte Bridge.

Built in 1966, the Victoria Harbour Shipping Control tower has been abandoned for years, but Development Victoria is maintaining the massive structure and looking at options for its long-term use.

With the closure of the Melbourne Star, and severe impacts of pandemic lockdowns, Docklands desperately needs a boost.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council executive director Felicia Mariani said if the tower was turned into a restaurant it needed to be compelling.

The shipping control tower at end of North Wharf Rd, Docklands is no longer in use and now derelict with its future uncertain. Picture: Ian Currie

“It really does need to be a signature restaurant, something that in and of itself will become a destination,” she said.

“You would need a very famous chef, it can’t just be another food outlet, it has to become an eatery with a personality that creates a reason to travel.”

Ms Mariani said the tower’s future should be part of an integrated strategy for Docklands that avoided Band-Aid solutions.

“How do we want to connect that precinct to the city itself, and how do we ensure that we’re engaging with all the right people in order to bring it to life, it’s such an important part of the city,” she said.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Daniel Hibberd said that activating the shipping tower could turn it into an iconic landmark.

“We’re looking forward to talking with the City of Melbourne, Development Victoria and major local developers to look at anything from an art installation through to something like a food and beverage outlet – a tourist attraction that provides a different perspective of the city,” he said.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Daniel Hibberd said discussions about the tower’s transformation were set to commence. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Hibberd said the chamber will soon hold a strategy meeting to further discuss permanent waterways activation and other ideas to increase visitation.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said that revitalising and reopening the shipping tower could enhance the Docklands precinct, “offering another avenue for activations, entertainment and employment to complement the new Central Pier”.

“The redevelopment of Central Pier as a hub for hospitality, entertainment and retail has the potential to generate more than $770m in economic benefits and create as many as 3800 jobs,” she said.

Central Pier was closed in 2020 due to safety issues and will be demolished this year, while Development Victoria continues a process to decide its future.

Ms Capp said that over the next decade Docklands will be home to more than 22,000 people, attract 20 million visitors annually, and have 50,000 workers.

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