St Leonards Pier Rebuild and Local Port Area Plan

Project status

April 2026:

We’re making progress on the St Leonards Pier rebuild, with the project now moving into the next phase.

The tender is now open for the appointment of a lead contractor to deliver the new pier. This is an important step and brings us closer to construction.

Large infrastructure projects like this require a thorough procurement process to ensure safety and compliance with heritage and environmental requirements. This process will help us appoint an experienced contractor to deliver a high-quality, fit-for-purpose pier for the community.

Once a contractor is appointed, they will work with the project team to confirm the construction program, including timing for the removal of the existing pier and construction of the new pier.

We know the pier is important to the St Leonards community. We will continue to keep you updated and will share construction timing as soon as it is confirmed.

Above: Artist's impression illustrating the new St Leonards Pier

The St Leonards Pier is a recreational pier and will continue to service may users.

Key features of the new pier design:

A fully accessible, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 compliant pier with improved circulation and safety.
Designated wheelchair accessible fishing locations.
A mix of seating, including benches with backs and armrests and curved seating, that maximises views across the bay.
A distinctive wave-inspired balustrade design reflecting the coastal environment.
A larger Sirens Kiosk deck area for tables, seating and social connection.
Fishing rod holders along the pier and finger jetty.
A low landing with ramped and stepped access supporting divers, snorkellers and safe short stay berthing for boaters.
Interpretive signage sharing the pier's maritime history and local marine life.
Marine-friendly design with coral-shaped artificial caps creating new habitat on cut-off piles from the old pier, adjacent to the new pier.

Artist's impression illustrating the new St Leonards Pier

Above: Artist's impression illustrating the new St Leonards Pier

Above: Artist's impression illustrating St Leonards Pier entry.

The project

This project is being delivered on Wadawurrung Sea Country.

Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, St Leonards Pier is popular with people accessing the many great recreational boating and fishing opportunities on offer in Port Phillip Bay and is valued by locals and visitors.

Originally constructed in the 1860s and most recently reconstructed in 1957, the existing pier is now reaching the end of its service life.

To ensure the pier remains a feature of the area, funding to replace the ageing pier was committed in the Victorian State Budget 2023-24.

The St Leonards Local Port Area Plan, released in 2025, outlined the alignment and design of the new pier in readiness for construction.

The new pier design delivers an accessible layout with improved circulation and enhanced safety for all users.

The design incorporates a mix of seating options, benches and curved seating that maximise views across the bay. The deck area at the pier entry, adjacent to Sirens Kiosk, is extended to create additional space for social connection, with new tables and seating provided to support community use.

The project recognises and respects the site’s heritage and marine environment. The pier alignment is offset from the existing pier to protect nearby historic wrecks, and the low landing stairs will provide safe access to the water for divers and snorkellers.

These improvements will ensure St Leonards remains a safe, accessible and vibrant community asset for years to come.

St Leonards Local Port Area Precinct Plan

Above: St Leonards Local Port Area Precinct Plan

Above: An aerial view of St Leonards local port area and supporting infrastructure (Credit: DEECA)

Project partner and funding

Department of Transport

This project is funded by the Victorian Government’s $46 million investment in critical pier and jetty rebuilds and repairs across the state announced as an initiative for the 2023-24 State Budget.

Related information

Download the Engagement Summary Report 2025 word accessible version
Download the St Leonards Local Port Area Plan 2025. pdf
Download the St Leonards Local Port Area Plan 2025. word accessible doc
Download the Engagement Summary Report 2024 (PDF)
March 2026 - Community Update Edition 7
December 2025 - Community Update Edition 6
November 2025 - Community Update Edition 5
October 2025 - Community Update Edition 4
December 2024 - Community Update Edition 3
September 2024 - Community Update Edition 2
March 2024 - Community Update Edition 1

Project timeline

Design and Delivery Phase – St Leonards Pier Rebuild

Staying updated

For general enquiries email engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963. Subscribe for project updates.

FAQs

What features will the new pier include?

The pier will include improved accessibility, seating areas, and recreational fishing infrastructure such as rod holders and interpretative and educational signage, shaped through community input and technical design.
What stage is the project at?

The design of the new pier is now complete, and the project is moving into procurement. A competitive tender process will shortly open to appoint a lead construction partner to deliver the rebuild.

Following contractor appointment and detailed planning, construction will commence, with the new pier anticipated to open in late 2027, subject to weather and site conditions.
When will construction on the pier rebuild start?

Construction is expected to start once the procurement process is completed.

Once the contract has been awarded the lead contractor will develop and confirm the program for demolishing the existing pier and constructing of the new pier.

We will continue to keep the community updated on the project’s progress including construction timelines once they are confirmed.
How long will construction take?

The new pier is expected to be completed by late 2027.
What needs to happen before construction can begin?

Before construction can begin, the construction procurement process must be completed and all permits and approvals secured.

This involves 3 sequential phases:

• undertaking a tender process to identify a lead contractor

• awarding the construction contract

• obtaining all required permits and approvals.

These steps are progressing well, with the tender for the lead contractor expected to open in early April 2026.
When will the demolition of the old pier take place?

Construction and demolition will take place concurrently to deliver the project in the most efficient manner possible.
How will the marine environment be protected during construction and demolition?

In 2023, an independent ecological report was commissioned to provide recommendations on how to preserve the pier’s ecological values as a dive, snorkelling, and marine natural history site.

Our project team also includes an ecological specialist to mitigate any impacts and manage the project.
What is being done to protect the shipwrecks?

All shipwrecks and archaeology (including maritime) are protected under the Heritage Act 2017.

The design ensures the new pier runs parallel to the existing structure, preserving the maritime heritage of the two shipwrecks (hulk and unidentified shipwreck).

A team of divers and maritime archaeologists has guided the design (new pier and demolition of old pier) and protection of the significant underwater cultural heritage.
What will happen to Sirens Boathouse and Kiosk?

Sirens Boathouse and Kiosk will remain.
What will happen to the rock breakwater as part of the project?

It will remain in place, and some new piles will be installed through the breakwater to support the new finger jetty.
How has the community been involved in the pier design?

Community feedback has informed the development of the St Leonards Local Port Area Plan, released in 2025, which established the preferred alignment and overall vision for the new pier.

Input from residents, pier users and stakeholders helped shape design elements, including improved accessibility, seating, recreational fishing amenity and interpretive and educational signage.