News

• 2011-12-06 - Princes Pier restoration set for public opening

  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine has announced the Princes Pier at Port Melbourne will be re-opened to the public on December 12, with restorative works now almost complete.
  

  The restoration project, first announced by then Deputy Premier and Member for Albert Park John Thwaites more than six and a half years ago, was subject to a series of cost and time blowouts under the previous State Labor Government.
  

  Dr Napthine said despite the chequered history of the project, the work undertaken by expert contractors was of an exemplary standard.
  

  The redevelopment of Princes Pier has included:
  

  • removal of the existing deck structure
  • reconstruction of 196 metres of the pier, including repair of defective timber piles to support a new concrete deck
  • refurbishment of the gatehouse, and
  • the creation of a forest of piles at the seaward end of the pier as a heritage and sculptural centrepiece.

  Dr Napthine congratulated the main contractor Fitzgerald Constructions, the lead architect Lovell Chen and engineering consultants the Robert Bird Group and Norman Disney and Young for their work.
  

  “I would like to pay particular tribute to the subcontractors and their employees for their fine craftsmanship and dedication to the project, including Professional Diving Services (underwater pile repairs), CJ Pearce (electrical works), Trio Plumbing (plumbing works), AG Coombs (mechanical services), RC Davies (main line services extension) and Design Sense (metalwork),” Dr Napthine said.
  

  “Unfortunately, the previous Labor Government completely mismanaged this project.
  

  “When former Deputy Premier Mr Thwaites announced the restoration in 2006, he said the project would cost $14 million and be completed by 2007.
  

  “In 2007 the former Minister for Major Projects Theo Theophanous announced a major delay in the project completion, and the completion date was revised to 2009, but the next former Labor Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas was forced to admit the project had a cost blowout of $20 million and would not be delivered until 2011.
  

  “This brought the total cost of the project to $34 million – a 142 per cent blowout on Labor’s original cost of $14 million – and made it four years behind schedule.
  “On top of this, the previous Labor Government committed to this significant project without identifying any ongoing agreements for the sustainable management or use of this pier.
  

  “Taxpayers have been forced to shoulder this burden all because former Labor Minister John Thwaites was more interested in making a quick local funding announcement rather than undertaking adequate due diligence and proper scoping works.
  

  “Taxpayers can be assured that the Victorian Coalition Government has been able to manage this project so that there have been no further cost blowouts. This is another example of the Coalition Government fixing the problems inherited from an incompetent Bracks/Brumby Labor Government.
  

  “Princes Pier will continue to be managed by the Coalition Government and will be available for community events. A final determination of the use of the historic gatehouse will be made in the near future,” Dr Napthine said.

• 2011-02-09 - Recent Flooding in Pier Street, Port Melbourne
  During the extremely heavy rains in mid January, and again last weekend, the area around the Beacon and Pier Streets intersection flooded.
  
  Preliminary investigations have revealed that one of the drainage pipes under Pier Street is blocked, causing overflow at times of heavy rainfall.
  
  Major Projects Victoria has engaged a contractor to unblock this drain, and work is expected to commence in mid February.
  
  In late 2010 a designer was engaged to conduct a study of the existing drainage infrastructure in the area to inform a permanent solution.
  
  Once this study is complete a civil works contractor will be engaged to remedy the drainage issues in the area.
  
  
• 2010-09-24 - New deck for historic Princes Pier takes shape

  Rebuilding work is ramping up on the historic Princes Pier, with construction of the new deck now underway, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

  Mr Pallas was on site today with Member for Albert Park Martin Foley as the first concrete was poured for the new deck of the iconic pier.

  “The Brumby Labor Government understands the importance of investing in local infrastructure such as the $34 million Princes Pier project, which create jobs and boost our economy as we continue to build for Victoria’s future,” Mr Pallas said.

  “After months of demolition and preparation work to repair worn piles, today the rebuilding of this local icon reaches an important milestone with the concrete pour for the new deck.

  “The restored pier will be a great asset for the Port Melbourne community and will ensure the historic structure will be enjoyed by the public for generations to come. Work is on track for the pier to be reopened to the public in 2011, in time for its centenary in 2012.”

  Mr Pallas said as part of the Princes Pier project, a new deck would be constructed for the first 196 metres of the pier and the gatehouse restored, with piles at the seaward end to be retained as a heritage and sculptural centrepiece.

  “Since demolition finished, we have been hard at work preparing the piles to take the new deck. Teams of divers have been repairing worn out piles with a specialised epoxy while above water concrete caps have been installed to bring the piles to a level height,” he said.

  “The new deck is being constructed on top of the repaired piles and once it extends far enough to allow construction access, the restoration of the 1935 gatehouse will begin and finally the repaired gates will be put back in place.”

  Mr Foley called on community members to get involved in shaping the Princes Pier’s future and contribute to local planning consultation.

  “I encourage everyone to play a part in the consultation for the City of Port Phillip’s Port Melbourne Urban Design Framework that will plan out how we can best utilise the wonderful opportunity the restored pier presents,” Mr Foley said.

  “A respectful recognition of the industrial, maritime, military and multicultural contribution the pier has made to Port Melbourne and the wider Victorian community might well be an outcome of that process. It is important to get that included in the early design stages of the pier.

  “Princes Pier is a vital part of Australia’s maritime history and its restoration has been a painstaking process. With the new deck now being built we have an exciting opportunity for a new urban space and part of our local history to be integrated into the wider community.”

  Princes Pier was decommissioned in the 1990s after a series of fires made the deck unsafe. The Victorian Government committed $14 million in 2006 to demolish its southern end and repair defective piles. Last year a further $20 million was allocated to restore the deck and gatehouse.

   

• 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.