Workshops Pier Repairs Project
Project status
May 2024:
- We've released the tender to construct the Workshops Pier, marking important progress on the project
- Technical designs for the existing pier are complete
- Construction will commence once all the approvals and procurement stages are completed
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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 other small commercial and historic vessels.
The pier is managed by 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, the pier has been closed to vehicle and pedestrian access due to the increasingly poor condition of the piles and structural elements. Restricted access has remained for berth holders on the lower 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.
Pictured above Workshops Pier concrete deck
Project benefits
Visitors
Repairing Workshops Pier will improve safety and access for all including vessels, tall ships and other historic vessels, enabling Seaworks Foundation to better activate events.
Community
Strengthening and reopening the pier will enhance visitor safety, education, recreation, tourism and cultural activities.
Economy
The repaired pier will benefit Seaworks Foundation, local businesses and community by attracting more visitors to the area.
Project funding
This project is funded by the Victorian Government.
Environment management
Environmental assessments will be undertaken to inform the delivery of the repair works to ensure the marine life is considered during the construction process.
Who are we working with?
- Department of Transport
- Hobsons Bay City Council
- Seaworks Foundation and interest groups
Access changes
We will conduct safety and risk assessments to ensure the project is completed safely.
Owners of vessels currently occupying berths on Workshops Pier low landing will be directed to move their vessels by mid August.
Areas where construction is taking place will be clearly signed and fenced off from public access.
Staying updated
Information about this project will be maintained on this page and shared via a project e-newsletter.
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Related information
Frequently asked questions
What is happening at Workshops Pier?
Workshops Pier is being repaired as part of the Victorian Government’s $46 million investment package towards critical pier infrastructure upgrades across the state. The improvements will strengthen and reinvigorate Workshops Pier, which will reopen once the works are complete.
Why are the works needed?
Workshops Pier was originally built in 1942 and has undergone several modifications over its 80 years of operation. The last reconstruction was undertaken in 1979 when the pier was extended by 70 metres.
Recent engineering assessments showed significant concerns for the structural integrity of the pier due to deteriorating piles and cross beams, and the pier was closed in 2021. Repairs are required to restore safe access to and functionality of the pier. Once repairs are complete, the pier can be reopened.
What will the works involve?
The repairs and improvements will involve strengthening the pier’s foundation by installing new steel piles and beams. The existing concrete decking will be cut to install the new piles. With subsequent minor repairs to the concrete deck and abutment being made.
What are the benefits of the Workshops Pier repairs?
The project will ensure the pier is safe for everyone to use and extend the life while future planning is undertaken. The project will also restore vehicle access for emergency response, tall ships, commercial and maintenance vessels.
How long will Workshops Pier be closed?
The pier is currently closed and will remain so until the project is completed.
What are the impacts to visitors and community during the work?
The entire length of the pier, including the low landing, will remain closed to all users, including berthing holders and commercial users.
There may be some visual amenity and noise impacts during the works.
A fenced work site will be established in the forecourt area of the pier for the duration of construction. Fencing and signage will be in place to show where access is restricted.
Can I still berth my boat or other vessels at the pier during the works?
No part of the pier may be accessed from the water or land during the works, including the low landing.
All berthing access will be prohibited while the pier is closed for works. Berth holders currently using the low landing will be asked to seek alternate berthing locations at other sites.
How are these works being considered as part of the Williamstown Local Port Area Plan?
The Williamstown local port area is a living maritime precinct. It is informed by existing and ongoing studies and investigations that establish the future value and functions of the piers and jetties.
In the plan, Workshops Pier will be retained largely in its current form and will be the key facility that enables the Seaworks site to become the home of living maritime heritage.
How much is the upgrade costing?
The pier upgrade is part of the Victorian Government’s $46 million investment in the critical pier infrastructure upgrades across the state. It is important to maintain access to local port assets and make it safe for everyone to enjoy.
Which agency is responsible for managing these assets?
Parks Victoria is the local port manager for Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell and manages 42 piers and jetties within these ports. Parks Victoria carries out regular inspections on all its piers and jetties to ensure they are safe and well maintained.
Workshops Pier is within a site leased to the Seaworks Foundation. Due to the scale and cost of the repairs and improvements, Parks Victoria is undertaking the works.
Where can I find out more about Workshops Pier Repairs Project?
This project page will be updated throughout the project and people can subscribe to receive a project e-newsletter which will be distributed at project milestones.