Communities by the bay in Melbourne's west can enjoy the much-loved promenade at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park for years to come, with works to repair the bluestone seawall now complete.
Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, on Bunurong Country, is one of Victoria's richest heritage sites, as the state's first permanent European settlement and seaport. Visitors can explore the maritime history of Timeball Tower, retrace Ned Kelly's steps along Battery Road, and enjoy the views across the bay.
After being damaged by years of exposure to winds and waves, the seawall has received important repairs, ensuring it is preserved and the promenade is accessible for the community to enjoy.
Repair works included like-for-like re-grouting, removal and replacement of precast concrete capping, replacement and re-installation of bluestone blocks, and sectional installation of concrete foundation and capping to provide added support the structure of the wall, where required.
Photos 1 and 2 pictured above: Repairs included re-grouting, and the removal and replacement of precast concrete capping blocks.
The repairs were guided by environmental and cultural heritage assessments, and geotechnical and structural investigations.
The repairs have been delivered as part of the Victorian Government's $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. The program is upgrading facilities at 21 parks across Melbourne to support the health and wellbeing of local communities and provide more opportunities for people to connect with nature in an urban setting.
Nearby, the $21 million investment is also delivering an extension to the Bay Trail at Point Cook, enabling a continuous journey for the community to walk, run and cycle from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park.
The program is also upgrading visitor facilities at a number of popular urban parks to improve accessibility and experience. Spanning from Point Cook to the Mornington Peninsula, the upgrades include picnic shelters and tables, toilets, trails, carparks, barbecues, playground equipment and visitor signage.
