Work is under way on a $3 million upgrade to Williamstown’s Seaworks maritime precinct.
Seaworks, Hobsons Bay’s second-biggest visitor attraction after Scienceworks, draws more than 100,000 people a year to its events.
It is home to the Seaworks Foundation, two commercial piers, a boatbuilder, commercial ferry operators, Melbourne Seaplanes, a maritime museum and the Sea Shepherd fleet.
As well as receiving tall ships from around the world and hosting festivals and events, the site is a popular filming location for TV shows and movies.
Chief executive Pauline Hobbs said the $3 million redevelopment of the former Melbourne Harbour Trust workshop – known as the big shed – was the first stage of the plan.
She said the work, which includes a new facade on Nelson Place and large glass panels at the rear, would enhance community enjoyment of Seaworks, including the great city views.
It will also activate an upstairs space for potential uses including functions, gallery space and performing arts.
“We’re very careful to ensure that we still are very accessible to community groups … so we have a real mix of community and commercial events,” Ms Hobbs said.
“We have different rates as well – so we have a commercial rate and a community rate, so that community groups can still afford to have their events here.
“We have the commercial events – like the Jamaican Music Festival, the Beer and Cider Fest, the Out on the Weekend Americana music festival. The BBQ was filmed here.
“Then we have community events like the car shows … Rotary have had their Christmas fair here for a few years. We have the Eid festival here.”
Pirates Tavern, a licensed venue with live music on Fridays and Sundays, remains open.
The big shed is expected to re-open in June.
