Community Update 2
Altona Pier Redevelopment Project

May 2022

Schematic designs released for a new Altona Pier

The much-anticipated Altona Pier redevelopment is beginning to take shape with the schematic designs now released.

Following the completion of community engagement in mid-2020, and selection of the preferred design options, we began the design tender process in July 2021.

The process concluded with the appointment of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects together with AW Maritime and Site Office. The design team have reviewed and refined the community’s preferred concept design, progressing these ideas to schematic designs. The next phase is the development of detailed designs which support construction-ready plans.  

The design process is highly collaborative and has involved input from key stakeholders such as Hobsons Bay City Council and the Department of Transport to create a final design that considers community’s preferences, and addresses statutory requirements, while also achieving constructability and sustainability objectives.

Being able to deliver on community aspirations to recognise the precinct’s local heritage values while also meeting the current and future needs of the community will be a key consideration of the next stage.

The Altona Pier redevelopment is part of the Victorian Government’s $24 million piers and jetties economic stimulus initiative and will make this much-loved local icon better and safer for boaters, anglers, swimmers and people who simply want to go for a stroll.

These improvements will also complement the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Altona Foreshore Redevelopment project to create a vibrant and highly desirable public space in Melbourne's west.

Image - Schematic design of Altona Pier showing an aerial view of Altona Pier - prepared by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects.

New pier design features

The community has been involved in this project from the outset and clearly told us what they want from the new pier.  The preferred pier concept design - option 3 - was chosen based on community feedback and featured a modern new pier head.

The resulting schematic design for the new pier underwent further development and draws on key features from the community’s preferred concept design, and includes key features including: 

- a modern look, y-shaped pier head which aligns with Pier Street, providing an improved connection to the historical elements of the pier’s heritage.    

- a timber pier deck

- lighting to ensure safe pedestrian access.

- an accessible lower landing providing connection to the water for swimming and recreational boating

- the pier head junction provides space for emergency vehicles to turn safely

- space for fishing, boating and pedestrians

View the Consultation Summary Report.

Image - Schematic design of Altona Pier showing the view towards Altona Foreshore - prepared by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects.

Image - Schematic design of Altona Pier's pier head and turning bay - prepared by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects.

Image - Schematic design of Altona Pier's accessible lower landing - prepared by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects.

Project timeline

At this early stage of design, a construction timeline cannot be provided. As a guide, the detailed designs are expected to be released later in the year for viewing, ahead of the construction tender process commencing.

• Detailed design commences: October 2021 
• Schematic designs released: May 2022
• Detailed designs released: Mid 2022
• Construction commences: Late 2022  
• Construction completed:  Late 2023 

For further information about the project visit the Altona Pier project page.

Current pier access

Altona Pier was damaged in a severe storm on 9 June 2021 causing the low landing to break away. Following dive assessments of the pier, it was found that a number of piles had deteriorated leading to the outer section of the pier having to be closed to all access.  For now, the first 130 metres of the pier inner approach section remains open, but access may be further restricted if the condition of the current pier deteriorates as storms may occur in the coming cooler months. 

The current pier is planned to be removed as part of the redevelopment. Repairs to restore interim access is not considered a viable option. We will continue to monitor the condition of the pier until the next steps are determined.

The original timber pier at Altona was built in the late 1800s, with significant repair works carried out in the 1980s The current structure is now nearing the end of its design life and has been deteriorating more rapidly in recent years. Storm conditions combined with aging infrastructure can cause piers to be prone to unexpected and accelerated deterioration such as what has occurred at Altona Pier.

If you're planning a visit to the pier check the latest updates on pier access here.

If you're looking for alternative sightseeing, angling and boating activities at nearby piers, check out Gem Pier, Lagoon Pier and Kerferd Road Pier.