Middle Brighton Pier Repair
Project duration and key dates
Partial pier closure – 25 May 2020Further structural testing - June 2020
Engineering report to determine scope of work - late July 2020
Scope of works determined - August 2020
Works commence – January 2021
Stage 1 – January to April 2021
Stage 2 – July to December 2021
Works complete – December 2021
Project partner
Department of Transport; Part of the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package.Key information
Middle Brighton Pier is being repaired as part of the Victorian Government’s Better Piers and Waterside Facilities investment across Port Phillip and Western Port.
Middle Brighton Pier has had reduced public access since May 2020 due to risk of structural failure which posed public safety concerns. Engineering assessments revealed significant concerns for the structural capacity of the pier resulting in its closure to all vehicle and pedestrian access from the low landing to the marina entrance. A 150 metre section of the pier from the foreshore to the first low landing has remained open.
Urgent remediation and strengthening works were completed in April 2021 to the underside of the 1977 section of pier between the foreshore and the marina entrance to repair the piles and crossheads.
The next stage will see replacement of some concrete deck panels in the pier section between the foreshore and the marina arm (originally constructed in 1977).
The vital repairs that will restore public access to a 340 metre section of pier from the foreshore to the marina entrance is due for completion in summer. Access beyond the second low landing, including the breakwater and 1938 constructed section of pier, will not be permitted until further notice.
Access to the pier during works
A complete pier closure is necessary during above-water peak construction times (estimated 12 July to 30 September 2021). This will enable work to be done safely and as quickly as possible in the quieter winter months. The first and second low landings will also be closed during repairs unless otherwise advised. Where possible, a 150 metre section of pier from the foreshore up to the first low landing will be made safe and opened periodically (such as weekends) for public enjoyment. Please see onsite signage for further directions around periodic restricted access.
Parks Victoria will continue to work with Royal Brighton Yacht Club to minimise the impact of this closure where possible and assess alternative access for the duration of the closures.
There may be some visual amenity and noise impacts. Alternative nearby locations for pier walking, angling and recreational boating during the works can be enjoyed at St Kilda and Mordialloc Pier.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the pier closed?
The two sections of pier closures were put in place for public safety and to allow urgent assessment and repairs to be carried out. A detailed engineering assessment of the pier condition in July 2020 revealed significant concerns for the structural capacity of the concrete deck planks and the scope of repair work was developed. The pier was built in two sections, in 1938 and 1977, and is reaching the end of its design life. The proposed work is to the 1977 section of the pier. The 1938 section will remain closed while further planning is undertaken.
Is the pier completely closed?
The pier has been partially closed in two sections. The 1938 section, which extends from the marina entrance to the breakwater, closed on 10 April 2020. The 1977 section from the low landing to the marina entrance closed in May 2020. A 150 metre section of the pier from the foreshore to the first low landing has remained open.
Will the pier be closed during works?
A complete pier closure is required from 12 July to 30 September 2021 (estimated) during peak construction times, and once the deck planks are removed on the pier approach. Where possible, a 150 metre section of pier from the foreshore to the first low landing will be opened on weekends to enable restricted public access. Details will be communicated through onsite signage. The low landing will remain closed during repairs unless otherwise advised. These works are timed to occur in the off-peak season to minimise disruptions to the community.
Can I still access my boat in the marina?
Limited access to the marina will continue to be assessed and managed for Royal Brighton Yacht Club members to access their vessels and the hardstand.
Can I still berth my boat at the low landing during works?
Vessels can be berthed at the first low landing, unless otherwise advised by onsite signage and temporary changes, but access onto the low landing is likely to be closed during works.
Can I still fish from the pier during works?
Once the stage 2 work commences there will be no public access, including for anglers and fishers, to the pier for a ten week period (estimated). Fencing and signage will be in place to communicate access restrictions. Where possible, periodic access to the first 150 metres of the pier up to the first low landing will be facilitated to enable some restricted public access. The low landing will remain closed during repairs unless otherwise advised.
Why isn’t the entire pier being repaired and reopened as part of these works?
The funding available enables works to focus on the 1977 section of the pier between the foreshore and the marina entrance. The priority is to ensure access is restored to the areas that will have the greatest benefit to the wider community. The 1938 section of pier will remain closed restricting public access to the breakwater. As part of Parks Victoria’s local ports management responsibility, it will continue to work with the community and stakeholders to consider and develop the future vision for the pier.
Are there alternative options to access the Royal Brighton Yacht Club marina?
Currently there are no alternative land-based access options to the marina or breakwater. Parks Victoria will continue to work with stakeholders to manage the implications of this closure and any possible alternative access options.
Stay up to date
For regular project updates, please subscribe to the Middle Brighton Pier Community Updates mailing list.
Other information
Parks Victoria is the Local Port Manager for Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell, with the three local ports combined receiving approximately 80 million visits a year, and include 263,000 hectares of waterway, marine protected areas, channels, piers and jetties, moorings and aids to navigation.
The Victorian Government has committed $24.4 million through its Piers and Jetties Stimulus Packages to upgrading and maintaining key jetties and piers across Victoria. These projects were announced as part of the government’s $2.7 billion Building Works initiative and form a key part of the $328.4 million Victorian Government investment in critical freight, boating, public transport and roads maintenance which will create or support more than 600 jobs as we recover from the coronavirus crisis.
The jetty and pier projects include:
• Better Piers and Waterside Facilities package: $11.6 million for upgrades and maintenance of piers in Port Phillip including Altona, Middle Brighton, Queenscliff South Piers, and the demolition of the inner section of the old Flinders Jetty in Western Port.
• Portarlington Harbour Upgrade: $9.6 million upgrade of Portarlington Pier.
• Pier and Jetty Maintenance package: $3.2 million upgrade of Rye Pier, Port Welshpool Marginal Wharf, Portland Trawler Wharf pontoon and Tooradin Jetty.
This $24.4 million investment will create local jobs, provide an economic injection to regional areas and see a long-term boost for the fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries as we rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic.
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