Dockland’s iconic Central Pier to be demolished due to safety concerns

The Andrews government has made a decision on the future of Dockland’s iconic Central Pier amid concerns about the safety of the historic structure.

Central pier in Docklands is set to be demolished by the Andrews Government.

The state government will lodge a heritage permit application to remove unsafe sections of the historic structure, following its permanent closure in early 2020 due to safety concerns.

The pier, previously home to The Woolshed Pub, function spaces and Cargo restaurant, was built in 1916 and included on the state heritage register.

But the western tip of the pier, opposite AFL House and Marvel Stadium, was removed after being deemed structurally unsound and the rest of the structure has deteriorated since being closed.

A community consultation process will be conducted in coming months around the future redevelopment of Central Pier. Picture: David Caird

Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said safety was the “primary concern” and “a safer and

more accessible waterfront area for all to enjoy” would be built.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the community to ensure Central Pier will meet the needs of locals and visitors for years to come, while acknowledging the history of the area,’’ she said.

The permit application for the pier will be considered under requirements of the Heritage Act 2017, due to its registration as a place of historical significance to Docklands and Melbourne.

A community consultation process will be conducted in coming months around the future redevelopment of Central Pier.

The Herald Sun last year revealed closure of the Docklands landmark was costing Melbourne $865 million, with an independent report findings jobs and activity in the Docklands had dried up since it was shut.

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.

Parts of the pier have been deemed structurally unsound. Picture: David Caird

Central Pier at Docklands closed and boarded up. Picture: David Caird

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said redevelopment of Central Pier as a hub for hospitality, entertainment and retail had the potential to generate more than $770 million in economic benefits and create 3800 jobs.

“We’re thrilled the State Government is moving to revitalise Docklands by demolishing the derelict Central Pier,’’ she said.

“The City of Melbourne will now support and lobby for its redevelopment, because we know Docklands has enormous potential to be a major point of activation within our city.’’

Development Victoria spokesman Geoff Ward said specialist engineers had advised the safest way to ensure a future for the pier was to remove it from the water.

“We look forward to working with the community on ways how we can revitalise the area to meet the needs of locals and visitors for years to come,’’ he said.

The Government allocated $3 million to progress the redevelopment of Central Pier including the concept designs and associated business case.