Loss of Central Pier site is causing problems for other Docklands businesses

The delayed reopening of the unsafe Central Pier in Docklands has infuriated nearby business owners, who are feeling the pinch as a result of its closure.

The closure of Melbourne’s Central Pier has started to case havoc for other Docklands businesses.

Central Pier was closed in August and was supposed to re-open last week, but Development Victoria has delayed the opening until at least the end of the year.

The incertainity of when the reopening would be has angered Pier busineses, who have threatened a $100m lawsuit because they allege Development Victoria failed to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the pier, and the pier was being repaired and maintained.

Daniel Hibberd, Vice President of Docklands Chamber of Commerce, said the change was noticeable on the streets with other businesses starting to feel the effects of the sudden loss of the Central Pier.

Central Pier in Docklands is considered unsafe Development Victoria. Picture Jay Town

Mr Hibberd’s two hotels catered to the corporate market and he had noticed a big difference with less conferences and events coming to Docklands.

“There has been a big drop - it makes it hard to plan when you don’t know when those event swill be back. I really feel for the [pier businesses].’

Many people were working hard to promote Docklands a a “brilliant location” so this setback was “really hard to take”.

“Foot traffic is significantly down in the area...But it’s not just the atmosphere, it’s putting financial stress on the local businesses.”

Business owners claim the area is less attractive to customers as a result of its closure. Picture: Jason Edwards

The area relied on the AFL to bring visitors - but when that ended Central Pier was the key attraction in the busy October-December period.

The conferences, weddings and functions held on the pier brought business to others in the precinct.

Mr Hibberd felt the Docklands had greater potential, but with pier businesses not able to plan for their future -because they were unsure when they could reopen - there was an obvious flow on effect to others.

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Jay Martens, Event Director for Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event, last year held an event on the pier for 1000 delegates from around the world.

“It was really well recieved and showcased Melbourne to the world. Now to have that gone, we are going to have to find another venue...but I think it’s more sad for the city as it was so unique.”

Mr Martens has been in Melbourne two years and was always hearing how Docklands was suffering. He believed the Central Pier was critical in helping the area thrive.

“It really is the jewel in the crown and to have it suddenly yanked away ia awful.”

He had planned to bring his events to the pier for up to three years - but now the benefits of those gatherings would go to other areas.

Development Victoria has been unable to put a timeframe on the reopening.

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