St Kilda Pier Redevelopment

An exciting milestone for this iconic project as the new pier is now connected from the foreshore to the kiosk! 

The outline of the 450m new pier is now in place and clearly visible to visitors to the area. Work has progressed well over winter and involved demolishing the outer section of the old pier to allow the outer headstocks and decking structure of the new pier to be built. 

Over the past months, we’ve been installing the timber decking surface out towards the kiosk and recently, the curved timber detail in the outer pier section. All the piling on the project has been completed.

The final concrete panels to the front of the kiosk will be placed in the terrace area over the next few months.

Watch the September 2023 video of the project below:

Kiosk Commercial Operator Update

The heritage kiosk building on the pier is managed by Parks Victoria and has been untenanted to enable construction of the new pier. An expression of interest process seeking a suitably qualified commercial operator will be opening in October.  

St Kilda Pier has traditionally greeted the kiosk “front on” at the kiosk entrance, however the new pier follows a curved alignment which approaches the kiosk from the south. This curved design provides an improved gathering and informal seating space near the kiosk which will feature iconic views over the city and bay. 

As part of the project, we’ve ensured significant services and conduits are installed under the decking of the new pier to service the marina, kiosk and saltwater intake for St Kilda Sea Baths.

Penguins

The rock shelter of the breakwater that attracted penguins to St Kilda in the first place has been kept in place and the construction team and park rangers continue to hear and see the penguins daily. Along with regular visits from dolphins and rakali, the area has continued to provide a feast of small fish for the marine life that calls the top end of Port Phillip home.

To minimise impact on penguin breeding, the new penguin viewing platform piles were prioritised prior to the start of their breeding season in 2022. With the bulk of work to the main structure now complete, the project work will progress to complete the exciting new timber penguin viewing boardwalk, with timing adjusted to avoid breeding and moult periods. We’re really looking forward to the new viewing deck experience and having visitors and volunteers back to safely view St Kilda's famous penguins.

Foreshore Integration Works (Stage 2)

Port Phillip City Council’s St Kilda Pier Foreshore Integration project (Stage 2) is progressing with the lead design consultants formally engaged in July 2023. It is expected community consultation on the Draft Concept Design will commence late September/early October.

The final Concept Plan is anticipated to be completed by late 2023, subject to approvals from the relevant authorities including Department of Transport and Planning, and Heritage Victoria.

Project stages

September – December 2023
•    Main pier construction including handrailing and timber installation.
•    Continued installation of timber decking and handrailing.
•    Curved forecourt area construction.
•    Penguin viewing area construction.
 

Early - Mid 2024 
•    Completion of new pier. 
•    Deconstruction of the existing pier will commence following completion of the new pier.

Other pier projects underway

Victorians have a strong connection with the coast, and piers and jetties provide important access to enjoy our coastal environments and to be active and healthy. They’re also popular seaside destinations for visitors and tourists.

Parks Victoria is the Local Port Manager for Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and Port Campbell and manages 42 piers and jetties, most of which are in Port Phillip and Western Port.

Most piers in Port Phillip have been rebuilt and repaired many times since they were first built with piers tending to have a 50-year design life. Working with the Department of Transport and Planning, Parks Victoria has an ongoing role in planning, designing and prioritising pier maintenance and redevelopment projects. 

This year, thanks to significant investment from the Victorian Government we’re working on a significant number of pier projects. In addition to St Kilda Pier, this includes:
•    Altona Pier
•    Flinders Pier
•    Hampton Pier
•    Mornington Fishermans Jetty
•    Rye Pier
•    St Leonards Pier
•    Warneet Jetties
•    Workshops Pier