St Kilda Pier Redevelopment

Work is underway to rebuild the iconic St Kilda Pier.

Parks Victoria in partnership with the Department of Transport is delivering an exciting rebuild of the iconic St Kilda Pier.

Once complete, the new pier design chosen by the community, will provide improved recreational space for more people to enjoy. It will feature public access for the community and visitors out onto the bay, improved views of St Kilda and the city skyline, better protection and viewing area for the Little Penguins, a wider disability compliant walkway, new toilets, tiered seating and preservation of the precinct’s heritage features. The pier will be constructed from concrete and timber and extend about 450 metres with a 50-year design life.

Latest news

1 May 2021 - Revitalisation plans for the iconic St Kilda Pier build momentum.

Today, the highly anticipated St Kilda Pier redevelopment is a step closer with the release of construction ready detailed designs.The Victorian Government's $50 million commitment to the St Kilda Pier rebuild is the biggest construction project for any pier asset in Victoria's history breathing new life into the iconic bayside destination.

A robust consultation and planning design process over the last three years has arrived at a stunning curved structure providing improved access and facilities for commercial and recreational users, greater protection for the Little Penguin colony and sustained economic benefits for Victoria.

Schematic designs released in December 2020 have undergone further consultation and refinement to ensure the design achieves optimum constructability, functionality and longevity.

The detailed design includes resolution of the structural and architectural elements, provides safe access and use by pedestrians, vehicles and vessels, and facilities to complement the visitor experience. This includes new public toilets, shelter, seating and back of house kiosk facilities. Details include use of timber for the penguin viewing platform to provide a more natural feel and space for seating; inclusion of a beach access ramp to allow access for visitors and council's beach cleaning tractor; a variety of seating options; and energy efficient lighting for safe public access in the evenings while minimising environmental and aesthetic impacts.

Timeline

2020-2021 - Detailed Design
Late 2021 - Construction commences
Late 2023 - Completion of the new pier
Start 2024 - Mid 2024 - Deconstruction of the existing pier will commence following completion of the new pier

Take a look at the design for the new St Kilda Pier

Video tour of the detailed design of the new St Kilda Pier – May 2021

Watch a video to hear how we are managing the penguins that live on St Kilda Pier’s breakwater

Image 1: April 2021 Detailed Design - artists impression

Image 2 April 2021 Detailed Design - artists impression

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Community updates

Community consultation

Local knowledge and insights are important in the detailed design and construction phase of the project. Community engagement will continue throughout the construction phase of the project, with regular project updates and stakeholder briefings. Anyone with an interest in the project can stay in-touch by signing up for email updates

Community/Stakeholder Reference Group

We’ve established a stakeholder reference group (SRG) to help share information and minimise impacts during construction on stakeholders and community. The SRG consists of members who represent the views and interests of stakeholders and community groups. This group provides a forum for sharing information, gaining feedback and capturing local views.

The group consists of the following representatives:
• City of Port Phillip
• Earthcare - St Kilda
• Kiosk Tenant
• Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
• St Kilda Life Saving Club
• St Kilda Sea Baths

If you wish to get in contact with any SRG representatives please contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au

2017 Community Engagement Phase

In 2017, we engaged with more than 550 people to identify a design for a redeveloped St Kilda Pier that would best support the local community and visitors. A stakeholder reference group was established, and feedback was given in community and stakeholder forums, at market stands and via an online survey on Engage Victoria. The Engagement Summary Report provides an overview of the values, ideas and aspirations provided by community members and stakeholders during the engagement period in 2017. This feedback has been taken into consideration and used to inform the design and desired characteristics, facilities and services for the new pier.

2017 - St Kilda Pier Redevelopment Engagement Summary Report

FAQs

Why do we need a new pier?

St Kilda Pier is an iconic part of Melbourne’s history, and Parks Victoria is committed to ensuring it remains a great place to visit. The pier has been rebuilt and repaired in response to age or damage many times since the 1850s. The current pier, built in the 1970s, is approaching the end of its 50-year design life. Parks Victoria has been considering the future of the Pier for several years, in response to both the expected replacement works, and in response to recent and future planning in the surrounding areas.Designing and building a new pier provides us with an opportunity to refresh the services and amenity the pier provides to Victorians and our visitors, and to strengthen its connection to the foreshore and the broader beach experience.

How did you decide on the curved pier option?

Two options, a curved or straight pier design were developed from a pier design concept developed in 2007/8 and published in the St Kilda Harbour Master Plan. During September and October 2017, more than 550 people engaged with us about the redevelopment of St Kilda Pier and provided feedback on the two options. A community reference group was established, and feedback was provided in community and stakeholder forums, face to face at market stands and via an online survey on Engage Victoria. There was resounding support for the curved pier option, over the like for like replacement of a straight pier. Further professional advice from engineers and designers was sought in the development of the design and in 2017 Parks Victoria, City of Port Philip and the Victorian Government endorsed the curved option.

What parts of St Kilda Pier are being replaced?

The section of pier that connects the foreshore to the kiosk is the primary focus of this project. In addition, this is an opportunity to provide better protection for the Little Penguin colony; improve the viewing area and provide all-abilities access to it.

Will the pier be closed to visitors during construction?

Construction of the new pier will commence in late-2021, following the necessary design and approvals processes. The current pier will remain open during the construction of the new pier, so visitors can continue to enjoy the vistas, fishing and penguins viewing during this time. Only once the new pier is ready for public use, will the old pier be dismantled.
The anticipated timeframe to build the new pier is approximately 18 – 24 months, subject to weather or technical issues.

How many people currently visit St Kilda Pier?

More than 800,000 people currently visit St Kilda Pier every year to enjoy the view, swim, go fishing and spend time with friends and family. In peak season, the pier hosts more than 6,000 visitors a day.

Contact us

Sign up for email updates or contact us for any queries you have about this project on 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au

Project funding - $50.3 million State Government Funding

Project Partner - Department of Transport