St Kilda Pier Redevelopment

Completion of new timber decking imminent and construction of the penguin viewing area and kiosk facilities underway.

Entering the final stages of its redevelopment journey, the iconic St Kilda Pier project is buzzing with excitement as we lead into Christmas. The stunning new timber decking is really taking shape, and the construction area for the penguin viewing area and kiosk extension is underway. Over spring we completed the installation of the lower landing headstocks, and the main pier balustrading has been installed making an elegant statement alongside the warm timber and solid concrete.

Beyond the nuts and bolts of construction, we know there is anticipation for the 170-year-old attraction to provide an improved visitor experience. The huge new terraced curved deck is now in place, and we are sure this will soon be the best place to watch the sunset near Melbourne.

The final stage of the much-awaited penguin viewing platform is underway and was timed to respect the penguin breeding seasons. Meanwhile, the historic kiosk, under the management of Parks Victoria, is almost ready for its new chapter with a commercial expression of interest process underway drawing attention from potential food and beverage operators.

Over the first few months of 2024, works will include ongoing concrete slabs and stitch pours, completion of the new toilets, abutment works to connect the pier with the St Kilda Breakwater and completion of the penguin viewing platform.

New low landing

An important design inclusion of the new pier is a new low landing. It has been built as an arm off the main pier on the northern side which follows an alignment similar to the original 1853 pier. The low landing will support passenger ferry arrivals including the St Kilda to Williamstown Ferry.

The new low landing can now be easily seen on site as shown in the below image. 

Summer safety

St Kilda Pier is in a unique environment, with a long and narrow project site in one of Melbourne’s most popular outdoor playgrounds. During summer, whether you’re swimming, on a boat, personal watercraft/Jet Ski, kayak or kite surfing, it’s important to understand the safety rules in place around the project.  

The old 1970s built pier will remain open for pedestrians over summer, however there is an 100m marine exclusion zone around the project worksite – enacted as on water works are underway. All vessels and swimmers must not enter this zone. 

A shared wind sports area is located north of St Kilda Pier where kiteboarding and other wind sports are permitted to exceed 5 knots. Accordingly, swimming is encouraged 400m south of the pier near the St Kilda Lifesaving Club.

Jumping and diving from St Kilda Pier is illegal and extremely dangerous due to the shallow and unpredictable seafloor. Always enter the water from the beach or use ladders if provided.

Speed limits and boating/swimming zones apply around St Kilda Pier ‐ including 5 knot speed zones within 200m from shore and 50m from a structure, another vessel or person. 

Project timeline

December 2023 - March 2024

• Main pier section completion including handrailing and timber installation
• Outer wave wall construction
• Penguin viewing area construction

Image aerial view of Altona Pier works are now complete

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 manages 42 piers and jetties in Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell, with a combined 32 million visits a year!

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 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
• Rye Pier
• Flinders Pier
• Mornington Fishermans Jetty
• Hampton Pier
• St Leonards Pier
• Workshops Pier
• Warneet Jetties