MAJOR WORKS on Williamstown’s iconic Workshops Pier in Melbourne are set to begin in early 2025.
The Victorian Government called tenders for the repair and restoration program in May this year and has now appointed Duratec to deliver the project, which is funded as part of a $46 million investment in critical pier rebuilds and repairs across the state.
Once completed, the pier will again be able to provide berthing for tall ships, emergency response vessels and be a welcoming spot for locals and visitors.
Workshops Pier, which was built in 1942, is a local landmark in Williamstown’s historic maritime precinct and the reopening will support the vision of the recently completed Williamstown Local Port Area Plan.
Crew are on track to kick off strengthening works on Workshops Pier in early 2025 and are expected to complete works in 2026.
Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne said: “Workshops Pier has been a proud part of Williamstown’s maritime precinct for more than 80 years, and this upgrade will ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for decades more to come.”
This project complements last year’s upgrade of nearby Gem Pier, also located in the Williamstown maritime precinct, where new fenders have been installed to provide safe berthing for commercial vessels and ferries, ensuring it remains an accessible destination for operators.
The pier originally served the Williamstown Workshops, which is now part of the Seaworks site which promotes Victoria’s maritime history in Williamstown. Seaworks act as custodians of the former Melbourne Harbour Trust site, leasing it from Parks Victoria.
Prior to the pier’s closure it was part of the working port and Melbourne’s key mooring site for visiting local and international tall ships and other historic vessels.
“Seaworks provides a place for recreational, educational, tourism, cultural and commercial activities, attracting Victorian, interstate and overseas visitors,” the Parks Victoria website suggests. “It is also a working waterfront that should provide long term berthing options for local commercial operators as well as able to support the demand for high profile vessels and international maritime events.”
