Docklands ferry terminal could transform precinct after being approved

A Docklands ferry terminal hoped to be “as popular as Circular Quay’’ has been approved in a bid to boost services between Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Port Phillip Ferries CEO Murray Rance said a tourist information service would also form part of the revamp. Picture: Peter Ristevski

A new Melbourne ferry terminal predicted to be “as popular as Circular Quay in Sydney’’ has been approved for Docklands.

The City of Melbourne has given the green light for a new passenger terminal at Victoria Harbour, to boost patronage and services between Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Deputy Mayor Nicholas Reece said the expanded ferry headquarters and community hub would boost growth and tourism to Docklands and aid Melbourne’s recovery from the pandemic.

“There is every reason to believe Victoria Harbor could be as popular as Circular Quay in Sydney, or better yet, it could be the Flinders Street Station of water transport services,’’ he said.

New ferry passenger terminal in Docklands., Picture: Supplied

The Herald Sun in July revealed a planning application had been lodged by billionaire Paul Little’s Port Phillip Ferries for the development.

Council approval paves the way for a 100-seat passenger terminal with a cafe, foyer, waiting room, office, deck and a 33.6sq m veranda with sweeping water views.

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive Murray Rance said a tourist information service for passengers arriving and departing Docklands would also form part of the revamp.

“It will promote all of the features around Docklands and Melbourne and the likes, so when people get off the ferry they can ask trained staff where to go and what to do,’’ he said.

“If they want to go across the other side of the bay to a restaurant or a winery they will be able to make bookings from there which will be a real feature.’’

He said the new terminal, to be operating by April next year, would bolster year-round serviced by providing a more weatherproof venue for passengers.

The current ferry station will be demolished to make way for the new development.

Mr Reece said the new terminal would improve the Docklands experience and transport options for the city.

A ferry terminal predicted to be “as popular as Circular Quay in Sydney’’ has been approved for Docklands. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“We’re excited that a brand new ferry terminal will be built right in the heart of Docklands,” he said.

“Victoria Harbor is an underrated and beautiful location and Docklands is a key growth area within our city which will play a vital role in Melbourne’s recovery.

“By improving the quality of the terminal’s facilities we hope it will help drive up visitation for Docklands.’’

The successful plans said the new terminal would “further activate the waterfront by providing a community hub’’ to passengers and the public.

“The building will be fit-for-purpose to accommodate forecast continued patronage growth and will improve the presentation of the building to Harbour Esplanade and allow for a more functional layout,’’ it said.

Ferry services have drawn about 300,000 visitors to the area in the past four years but greater patronage is expected in coming years.