News

• 2009-05-14 - $20 million secures future for historic pier

  The Brumby Government allocation of $20 million in the 2009 State Budget will deliver the final stages of the Princes Pier restoration and secure the future of the historic landmark, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said today.

  Mr Pallas said the new funding, in addition to the $14 million previously committed, would allow the first 196 metres of the pier deck to be replaced and for the restoration of the gatehouse, with piles at the seaward end of the pier to be preserved as a heritage and sculptural centrepiece.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action now, investing a record $11.5 billion in infrastructure to secure up to 35,000 jobs over the next financial year, delivering strong leadership in tough global times to see Victoria through and build for the future,” Mr Pallas said.

  “We have committed these funds to complete the project as soon as possible and return the historic pier to the community. The project is expected to secure 100 jobs and deliver nearly $100 million in economic benefits to Victoria through construction.

  “Princes Pier is a local icon and an important part of Victoria’s history. This funding will ensure the pier’s future and open up a fantastic new public open space in the heart of Port Melbourne.

  “Built in 1916, the pier has great historical significance as a point of arrival and departure for many migrants and soldiers over the years, as well as being a beloved fishing spot for Port Melbourne locals.”

  Member for Albert Park Martin Foley said the funding commitment meant the pier would survive long into the future and would help Victoria and the local community retain an important part of its history.

  “The heritage-listed pier is the second largest timber-piled wharf structure in Australia. As one might expect with a 93-year-old wooden structure surrounded by water, Princes Pier has suffered over the years from vandalism, fire and the weather,” Mr Foley said.

  “The restoration has been a difficult, painstaking job but we are sure the end result will be a magnificent public asset complementing the adjacent Beacon Cove beach and the restaurants and cafes of Station Pier.”

  Mr Pallas said the gatehouse, itself a heritage listed building, would also be restored for possible use as a cafe or perhaps a historical centre.

  “Detailed design work is still being carried out in consultation with Heritage Victoria and the City of Port Phillip,” he said.

  The Princes Pier was decommissioned in the 1990s after a series of fires led to its deck becoming unsafe. The Victorian Government allocated $14 million in 2006 to demolish the southern end of the pier and repair defective piles.

  The restoration is expected to be completed in 2011.

• 2007-10-24 - Princes Pier breaks into new ground in historic revamp

  Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous took a chip off the old block today, helping smash the old concrete deck of Melbourne’s iconic Princes Pier with a jackhammer, as part of the first stage of demolition works on the $14 million pier restoration.

  “Princes Pier is an important part of Victoria’s heritage and this is the first stage of an exciting project to restore a Melbourne icon and return it to public use,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “This historic rebuild of the pier has already seen contractors Fitzgerald Constructions stabilise part of the existing structure to take the weight of a crane enabling the concrete deck and railway lines to be removed.

  “Once the concrete deck has been removed we will have a firmer understanding of what timber can be saved and what must be replaced.

  “Soon a special barge for a second crane will arrive at the site. The barge has legs that can be lowered to the seafloor to allow it to be jacked up out of the water.

  “This will provide a mobile and stable platform to operate the crane free from the limitations of the tides.

  “Looking underneath the pier at the pylons clearly shows the need for this restoration – with 90 years of wear and tear from the sea and evidence of fires being lit by vandals all adding to the deterioration of the pier.

  “Designs for the new deck are being developed to create a fantastic new public open space for Melburnians to enjoy and remedial work will also be carried out on the old gatehouse pending restoration at a later stage.

  “Princes Pier is one of Melbourne’s most important waterfront locations and the Government has been working hard to bring the pier back to the community.

  “Built in 1916, the pier has great historical significance as a point of arrival and departure for many migrants and soldiers over the years, as well as being a beloved fishing spot for Port Melbourne locals.

  “This project means the pier will survive long into the future and will help Victoria retain an important aspect of its rich history.”

  The refurbishment will see the first 196 metres of the Pier fully restored. Beyond that the decking will be removed, with the original piles being preserved as a heritage and sculptural centrepiece.

  The end result will be a huge multipurpose waterfront venue able to be used for a variety of community events and it will be a great addition to the adjacent Beacon Cove beach created last year.

• 2007-06-20 - Path set for Princes Pier refurbishment

  Minister for Major Projects, Theo Theophanous, today announced a contract had been awarded to Fitzgerald Constructions Australia Pty Ltd to demolish the Princes Pier in the next stage of the pier’s redevelopment.

  Mr Theophanous said the demolition would pave the way to restore the pier and return it to public use.

  “Princes Pier is one of Melbourne’s most important waterfront locations and Government has been working hard to move the project along to bring the Pier back to the community,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “The demolition is the first step of the revitalization works and will salvage elements of the pier that are of significant heritage value and remove sections of the pier that are unsafe and can no longer be used.

  “This will enable the completion of the design for the construction of a new pier deck.”

  The $14 million revitalization of Princes Pier includes the first 196 metres between the Gatehouse and the foreshore being fully restored. Beyond that the decking will be removed, with the original pylons preserved as a heritage and sculptural centrepiece.

  Once the design is approved, a contract for the construction of the new deck will then be negotiated.

  “The demolition and construction of the new northern deck is on track to be completed on time in 2009,” he said.

• 2006-04-19 - Bracks Government facelift for Princes Pier

  Acting Premier, John Thwaites, today announced Princes Pier in Port Melbourne would be refurbished, with the Bracks Government committing an estimated $14 million to the project.

  “The Pier represents an important part of Victoria’s heritage – particularly our wartime and immigration histories,” Mr Thwaites said.

  “It was a departure point for Australian troops during the first and second World Wars and the first place of contact for thousands of post-War migrants.

  “The refurbishment of the Pier will complement the fantastic development at Beacon Cove, which includes the new beach at the site.

  “It also features cafes, 5 star restaurants, a medical centre, gymnasium, light rail direct to the city and a central port for cruise ships and passenger ferries.”

  Mr Thwaites said the first 196 metres of the Pier would be fully restored.

  “Beyond that the decking will be removed, with the original pylons being preserved. The cost of restoring the entire Pier would be prohibitive at an estimated $60 million,” he said.

  “We have an exciting and viable plan which comprises a multipurpose waterfront venue and an accessible area for recreational boating.

  “In addition, the majority of the piles from the demolished section will be retained as a heritage and sculptural centrepiece.”

  “Also, there will be access for recreational boats to moor at the Pier.”

  Restoration of the remaining Pier deck will include the replacement of defective timber piles and supports, a new concrete deck and lowered timber landings and moorings for recreational boats and ferries.

  “I would like to thank the Beacon Cove Precinct Committee for their hard work in reaching this outcome,” he said.

  The Committee comprised representatives from the State Government, City of Port Philip, Heritage Victoria and local residents.

  The proposal is yet to gain heritage approval however the design has paid great attention to heritage obligations as the Pier is listed on the Heritage Victoria Register.

  The final cost of the redevelopment will be confirmed once the tender process is finalised.