By Zach Hope
Hundreds of visitors and businesses at Docklands' Central Pier were forced to evacuate on Wednesday after engineers discovered the historic structure had rapidly deteriorated and was no longer safe.
Development Victoria, which is responsible for Central Pier, was told at midday that efforts to stabilise the popular food and function precinct were unsuccessful and the area was now a no-go zone.
Central Pier was evacuated after engineers deemed it unsafe.Credit: Simon Schluter
Upcoming events, including Friday's NAB AFL Rising Star awards, which had asked guests to arrive by noon, have been forced to find last-minute replacement venues.
Development Victoria spokesman Geoff Ward said late on Wednesday that formal notice was provided to businesses on the pier to vacate.
“Engineers have been inspecting the pier every two months since November 2018 and had previously provided certification that supported the ongoing occupation of the pier," he said.
“However, given the notice received from the engineers today, there was no alternative but to require the pier be vacated in order to preserve public safety.”
Security guards are now stationed at Central Pier.Credit: Simon Schluter
There is no indication of when it may re-open. Fencing, signage and security guards will be at the site to prevent anyone from getting in.
Central Pier, completed in 1916, has since undergone stabilisation work, with the third phase of a two-year project launched early this year.
Mr Ward said Development Victoria was talking with WorkSafe and the pier's tenant, Atlantic Group, which operates several restaurants and function spaces, to manage the situation.