Famous St Kilda Pier Has Reopened After A $53 Million Redevelopment
The Allan Labor Government’s massive redevelopment of St Kilda Pier is done and the pier is now open to the community –just in time for summer.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today officially unveiled the stunning $53 million redeveloped pier, which is one the largest pier upgrades in Victoria’s history and has delivered a stunning new jewel in Melbourne’s crown –that is set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The new 450-metre-long pier offers a safer and more accessible space for families and tourists, with sweeping views of the city skyline and the bay.
It’s expected to draw in more than 830,000 visitors each year, making it one of Melbourne’s top waterfront attractions.
The new design boasts a spectacular curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and a new community space near the iconic St Kilda Pier Kiosk.
A new low landing at the foreshore will also make it easier than ever for ferry and tour operators to welcome passengers to this popular destination.
More than 240 steel piles and 500 concrete segments weighing-in at 6,000 tonnes have strengthened the pier, supporting the 8,800-timber deck-boards and 65,000 screws used to cover the boardwalk.
The pier’s modern and durable design respectfully considers the heritage aspects of the existing pier, including the famous St Kilda Pier Kiosk which will soon welcome a new operator.
The Labor Government is investing $46 million in critical pier rebuilds and repairs across the state. Victoria’s local ports and piers contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries.
What about the little penguins?
The St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of Little Penguins, and is the closest place for you to see wild penguins near the CBD. Roughly 1400 penguins call this corner of Melbourne home. At the moment the Breakwater and the penguin viewing area are closed as part of the redevelopment. If you are lucky enough to see a penguin, please keep a respectful distance of at least three metres. Don’t feed them, touch them or use flash photography in front of them.
There’s no word yet on when the penguin viewing area will open. Keep an eye here for updates.
If you’d like to read and learn more about the redevelopment process, click here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“This is one of the biggest pier upgrades in Melbourne’s history –now families, tourists, and locals can make the most of this stunning redevelopment just in time for summer”.
Quote attributable to Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“St Kilda Pier is already one of Melbourne’s most treasured landmarks, and this redevelopment will make it even more special for the hundreds of thousands of Victorians and tourists who flock here each year”.
