One of Melbourne's biggest ever pier upgrades is now underway as major works begin on the $53 million St Kilda Pier Redevelopment project.
Barge and excavator works will soon begin, including installing the first of more than 220 steel piles.
The new pier will also feature over 400 square metres of Australian timber decking sourced from a First Nations certified company. The new decking will extend to Catani Gardens, providing a welcoming entrance.
Stage one of the project will also include the construction of the new penguin viewing boardwalk.
Once complete, this will better protect the famous St Kilda penguin colony and include a new viewing platform to watch the animals return to their burrows each evening after a day of fishing in the open water.
Extensive planning has been critical to ensure the area's sensitive marine habitat is protected.
Parks Victoria and Earthcare St Kilda will undertake regular monitoring throughout construction to ensure the safety of the little penguin colony.
The new pier will feature a spectacular curved design with a wider and more accessible walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and a new community space near the kiosk.
The redevelopment will also include a low landing constructed near the foreshore, providing easier access to ferry and tour operator vessels for passengers.
The existing pier will remain open during construction as much as possible until the completion of the project in 2024. To minimise disturbance to weekend trading and events, the works will mostly be restricted to weekdays.
The Victorian Government is also investing in other much-loved piers and jetties around the state, with the 2022/23 Victorian Budget providing $18 million in funding for works at Hampton, Rye, Flinders, McLoughlins Beach, Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance, Williamstown and Mornington.
Learn more about construction impacts at the Parks Victoria website.
