Call for Dan Andrews to redevelop Central Pier at Docklands as huge cost of closure revealed
The Victorian government is being urged to speed up development of Central Pier at Docklands, as the eye-watering cost of its closure is revealed.
Victoria
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The state government has been urged to speed up redevelopment of Central Pier with a new report finding closure of the Docklands landmark is costing Melbourne $865 million.
An independent assessment from SGS Economics and Planning regarding the economic costs of the pier’s closure found jobs and activity in the Docklands had dried up since it was shut in early 2020.
The report found rebuilding the pier would contribute an additional $251.7 million annually in economic output to the city and provide an extra 2,016 jobs.
The study, commissioned by the City of Melbourne, found its closure resulted in a loss of $240 million in total output in the first year and $192 million the next year.
With losses expected to exceed $800 million after five years, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the pier should be demolished to speed up recovery and make it “a buzzing waterfront hotspot”.
“This report proves the economic impact of Central Pier’s closure is severe,’’ she said.
“We strongly urge the Victorian Government to get on with it and demolish Central Pier, and establish a temporary feature on the water to attract visitors until major works can occur.”
The heritage protected wharf which formed part of Melbourne’s original
port district was condemned by Development Victoria in August 2019.
Its immediate closure came after advice from engineers that it could collapse at any time.
Prior to its closure, Central Pier was home to eight businesses employing about 1300 people including a function centre run by The Atlantic Group, The Woolshed Pub and Alumbra bar and nightclub.
The Docklands Chamber of Commerce estimates the pier’s closure would result in a loss of up to 1.5 million visitors to Docklands annually.
And over 15 years, closure of the pier is estimated to cost Melbourne $1.66 billion.
The government, in a statement, said it was “progressing with planning works for the demolition and redevelopment of Central Pier”, but could not provide a time frame.
“We know the site is an important part of revitalising the Docklands precinct – and that’s why we’re getting on with it,’’ it said.
Development Victoria said parts of the historic pier were more than 100 years old.
“We are working with the City of Melbourne and Heritage Victoria on long-term plans for Central Pier, with safety of the site our number one priority,’’ it said.
“This includes options to respectfully preserve the heritage of the Pier and surrounding docks, while also taking a wider approach to revitalising the waterfront of Docklands.”
Ms Capp said thousands of jobs had also gone begging with the pier and businesses out of action.
“The redevelopment of Central Pier is a crucial step to reinvigorate Docklands as a premier destination for tourism and entertainment.
“While Central Pier remains closed in one of the most stunning spots in Melbourne, it is impacting the City of Melbourne’s economy to the tune of $865 million.
“The pier must be reactivated to bring thousands of jobs and millions of visitors back into Docklands.’’
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