Workshops Pier Repairs Project
Project status
February 2025:
- Works are underway to repair Workshops Pier to restore its berthing and structural capacity.
- The works are being carried out by construction contractor Duratec.
The above timeline is subject to weather, assessments, and market conditions.
Subscribe for updates
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.
Pictured above: Workshops Pier extending into Hobsons bay
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
Access changes
- We will conduct safety and risk assessments to ensure the project is completed safely.
- Areas where construction is taking place will be clearly signed and fenced off from public access.
Project timeline
Funding announced: November 2022
Detailed design complete and construction partner announced: November 2024
Construction works commence: February 2025
Construction complete: mid-2026
Staying updated
Information about this project will be maintained on this page and shared via a project e-newsletter.
Subscribe to receive future updates
Related information
Frequently asked questions
What are the repairs?
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, and subsequent minor repairs to the concrete deck and abutment will be made.
What are the benefits of the Workshops Pier repairs?
The project will ensure the pier is safe for everyone to use and extend its lifespan. It will also restore vehicle access for emergency response, tall ships, and commercial and maintenance vessels.
Can I still berth my boat or other vessels at the pier during the works?
While the pier is closed for works, all berthing access will be prohibited. Berth holders who use the low landing have found alternate berthing locations at other sites.
During the works, no part of the pier may be accessed from the water or land, including the low landing.
Can I take my vessel near Workshops Pier while works are underway?
No, for public safety a legal marine exclusion zone is in place for the duration of the works. This zone extends approximately 15 metres from each side of Workshops Pier and outward from the pier head. The project involves major construction and demolition and is unsafe for public access. Buoys will be in place on the water to mark the area with prohibited access. For further information refer to the Victorian Government Gazette pg.23
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 42 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 is undertaking the works.
Do the pier repairs affect other water-based activities in the area?
The pier and low landing will be closed for repairs. At times, on-water operations for stakeholders may be affected. The affected areas will be marked with dedicated buoys. For updates, please check the Parks Victoria website for Notices to Mariners.
How have the heritage values of the Workshop Pier and the precinct been considered?
The Williamstown Local Port Area Plan includes heritage information that details the historical changes in the piers and jetties, emphasising their adaptative reuse. A maritime archaeological assessment undertaken will ensure heritage values are protected by adhering to the conditions in the Heritage Victoria consent. The plan's goal is to ensure that the piers and jetties are suitable for current and future commercial and recreational needs.
What is happening with Commissioners Jetty and Boyd Street Pier?
The piles underneath Commissioners Jetty have failed. This has led to a deck collapse.
While the retention of these structures are not being managed within this project, some investigative work has taken place to understand their heritage significance.
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.
Commissioners Jetty was assessed to have low heritage significance (2015 Conservation Management Plan), and does not support operations within the local port area. A recommendation was made within the local port area plan to remove the jetty to improve access to Workshops Pier and Boyd Street Pier.
Where can I find out more about the 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.