Docklands’ Central Pier evacuated amid fears for public safety
Docklands’ Central Pier will be shut for at least 30 days as engineers carry out major repairs on the “deteriorating” dock. Businesses have been forced to close and a wedding, and Friday’s NAB AFL Rising Star awards, have had to relocate.
VIC News
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The “rapidly deteriorating” Docklands’ Central Pier will be blocked off for at least 30 days, forcing businesses to shut and weddings and formal events such as Friday’s NAB AFL Rising Star awards to relocate.
Engineers were on Thursday carrying out repairs on what were described as major structural problems with the 103-year-old pier.
Diners had to quickly polish off their meals on Wednesday night when they were given 15 minutes to leave.
The abrupt closure drew anger from some traders, including Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat owner Jeff Gordon, who said state government body Development Victoria had not done enough to address safety issues.
Mr Gordon has been operating from the pier since 2007 and said he was at risk of losing $30,000 worth of business at the weekend.
“We are all wondering what is going on,” Mr Gordon said.
“It is tragic for businesses that have been involved with the pier. It hasn’t been planned well, it shows a serious lack of planning.”
An engineering report given to the government on Wednesday prompted the urgent evacuation, Development Victoria head Angela Skandarajah said.
The report said “the structural integrity of the pier is clearly and consistently deteriorating” and that “occupation of Central Pier is no longer sustainable and represents an unacceptable risk to life”.
Ms Skandarajah said until Wednesday there had been no advice that the pier was not suitable for occupation.
The AFL said Friday’s NAB AFL Rising Star function would be moved to the Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds.
Brisbane couple Lisa Depaoli-Maber and Terry Rowland were due to marry at the Woolshed tonight but had to quickly reorganise their big day.
The pair got a call about 9pm on Wednesday saying: “we’ve got a bit of a problem”.
But fortunately within half an hour they managed to relocate their wedding to Berth, about 500m away.
Ms Depaoli-Maber said it was a “slightly stressful” build-up but she was focusing on the positives.
“It could be worse,” she said. “It’s just bizarre. You can’t script this stuff. All my friends and family are happy and healthy, we’re all going to be together. We’ll still get wine and champagne, we’ve got to get on with the day.”
The government confirmed it had been carrying out stabilisation works on the pier for the past two years at a cost of $5.2 million.
Priority Precincts minister Gavin Jennings said there was a “forest of pylons under the pier”.
HOW CENTURY-OLD PIER DETERIORATED
The pier is more than 100 years old and has rapidly deteriorated despite efforts to stabilise it over the past two years.
Development Victoria is now working with stakeholders including WorkSafe and the tenant, Central Pier Pty, also known as Atlantic Group, which operates several restaurants and function spaces at the site.
Minister for Priority Precincts, Gavin Jennings, said the pier had done “great service” since it was built in 1916.
“For the last number of years, there has been assessment undertaken regularly every two months about the structural integrity of Central Pier,” he said.
“Obviously now there is some deterioration which has warranted not only investigation but rectification and repair works to maintain its integrity.
“The best advice we’ve had up until yesterday (was that) the structural integrity was OK and safe, yesterday that news changed.
“The engineers are recommending the pier not be used because it is unsafe.
“The best advice was take action in totality, the tenants had a bit of difficulty coming to terms with that.”
Mr Jennings said there was a “forest of pylons under the pier” and they played a role in sharing the load of the pier.
“If there is a deterioration in a critical part of the pylons, then the whole thing has the potential to start moving, the rate of deterioration has escalated in the last few months,” he said.
Minister Jennings said potential compensation was a matter between Development Victoria and their tenants but they had a pre-existing agreement regarding evacuations.
“There is a clause that covers the need to evacuate and the obligations of the tenant to evacuate if there is advice the pier is unsafe,” he said.
“We’re testing, we are going to see what urgent works may be undertaken to make safe the pier, to allow visits and commercial activity to continue on there.
“We’ll act on the best advice in terms of trying to restore the pier, make it accessible again.”
Atlantic Group chief executive Hatem Saleh said Central Pier was served a shutdown notice at 4pm on Wednesday.
He said it was disappointing the tenant was not given the opportunity to respond to the findings of Development Victoria’s engineers, KBR.
“Having been intimately involved in understanding the scope of Development Victoria’s rectification works and throughout our 13-year history on Central Pier, Central Pier’s advice from its engineers is that only parts of Central Pier may potentially be of some concern and it does not warrant a total shutdown,” Mr Saleh said in a statement last night.
“Ultimately, today was not the time to dispute Development Victoria’s notice because the safety and wellbeing of our clients, staff and invitees on the pier is absolutely paramount.”
Mr Saleh said the group hoped to be “back on deck as soon as possible” and was working “around the clock” to relocate affected functions.
“We will use our very best endeavours to ensure none of our clients are disadvantaged in any way,” he said.
STUDENTS SLAM RELOCATED UNI BALL
Deakin University was set to host its annual ball at Peninsula — in the Atlantic site — last night before it was shut down.
Students were notified via Facebook just after 7pm last night that the ball had been moved to another venue.
The ball was moved to Ms Collins nightclub on Collins St. Some students complained on social media about the change of venue.
“Docklands can’t be sinking as fast as this ball,” one post said.
Another post said: “Want a refund this is s---.”
The event was advertised as the “most anticipated and sought-after events of the year”.
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“With a mysterious yet luxurious spin on a bright and colourful Arabian Nights theme, this event will blow you away,” an advertisement for the event said.
“This esteemed venue is perfect when capturing the vibrant energy and elegance of our Annual Deakin Ball … it will be a night to remember for all.”
One post complained there was not adequate food which had been included in the $130 ticket price.
“No dinner as promised … someone just get me a zinger box,” the post said.
Another post said: “I didn’t pay $130 for no food and to run out of champagne at 9.30, to order Maccas to my pre-booked apartment at 1am.”
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