Workshops Pier Repairs Project

Project status

March 2026:

Major repair works at Workshops Pier have now been completed, marking a significant milestone for this important maritime asset.
In the coming months, Seaworks is set to become the new home of the Victorian heritage fleet, including the Enterprize, Alma Doepel and Wattle, which will berth at Workshops Pier.
This outcome will see these iconic vessels at an accessible waterfront location, creating a unique opportunity for the community to experience Victoria’s maritime heritage close up.

Above: Workshops Pier reopened

The project delivered the full replacement of the pier's structural support system, including the installation of 90 new steel piles, using approximately 1.7 km of steel.

Additionally, the works included a complete rebuild of the low landing in its existing location.

Each new pile was carefully driven into the seabed through specially cut openings in the existing concrete deck, a complex marine engineering undertaking process delivered in stages from the outer rows toward the centre to maintain stability.

Above: Workshops Pier construction works completed

The works have significantly improved the safety and operational integrity of the pier while preserving its heritage and community value.

The strengthened pier now supports larger vessels up to 75 metres in length for berthing on the eastern side of the pier and smaller commercial ferry operators and historic vessels up to 20 metres berth on the western side of the pier.

The project

This project is being delivered on Bunurong Sea Country.

Workshops Pier is in Hobsons Bay, centrally located within the Williamstown Maritime Precinct 13km south-west of Melbourne CBD. The site is a working port and the only remaining public port facility for large vessels in the inner city.

Workshops Pier is Melbourne's key berthing site for visiting local and international tall ships and small commercial and historic vessels.

The pier is managed by the Seaworks Foundation, which promotes Victoria’s maritime history and provides a place for recreational, educational, tourism, cultural and commercial activities attracting Victorian, interstate, and overseas visitors.

The pier was originally built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1976. Since late 2021, it has been closed to vehicle and pedestrian access due to the increasingly poor condition of the piles and structural elements. However, restricted access has remained for berth holders on the low landing.

The pier upgrade is part of the Victorian Government’s $46 million investment in critical pier infrastructure rebuilds and repairs across the state. It is important to maintain access to local port assets and make them safe for everyone to enjoy.

Concrete pier extending into Hobsons Bay with Melbourne city skyline to the horizon

Pictured above: Workshops Pier extending into Hobsons bay before the repairs

Project funding

This project is funded by the Victorian Government.

Environmental management

Environmental assessments have been undertaken to inform the delivery of the repair works to ensure marine life is considered during construction.

Who are we working with?

Department of Transport and Planning
Seaworks Foundation and interest groups

Project timeline

Funding announced: November 2022

Detailed design complete and construction partner announced: November 2024

Construction works commence: February 2025

Construction complete: March 2026

Related information

Frequently asked questions

What were the repairs?
The repairs and improvements have strengthened the pier's foundation by installing new steel piles and beams. The existing concrete decking was cut to install the new piles, and subsequent minor repairs to the concrete deck and abutment were made.

What are the benefits of the Workshops Pier repairs?
The project has ensured the pier is safe for everyone to use and extended its lifespan.
It has restored vehicle access for emergency response, tall ships, and commercial and maintenance vessels.

Which agency is responsible for managing these assets?
Parks Victoria is the port manager for the local ports of Port Phillip and Western Port and manages 41 piers and jetties within these ports.
Workshops Pier is within a site leased to the Seaworks Foundation. Due to the scale and cost of the repairs and improvements, Parks Victoria has undertaken the works.

How were the heritage values of the Workshop Pier and the precinct considered?
The Williamstown Local Port Area Plan includes heritage information that details the historical changes in the piers and jetties, emphasising their adaptive reuse.
A maritime archaeological assessment undertaken will ensure heritage values are protected by adhering to the conditions in the Heritage Victoria consent.
The Local Port Area Plan aims to ensure that the piers and jetties are suitable for current and future commercial and recreational needs.

What is happening with Boyd Street Pier?
The piles underneath Boyd Street Pier have failed. This has led to a deck collapse. Boyd Street Pier is located within an area listed on the Heritage Register.
Parks Victoria will continue to engage with Heritage Victoria regarding any further works.

What happened to Commissioner Jetty?
Commissioners Jetty was demolished in early 2025. The piles underneath the jetty had failed, which led to the deck's collapse.
Commissioners Jetty was assessed to have low heritage significance (2015 Conservation Management Plan) and did not support operations within the local port area.