EXCLUSIVE
The design of the new $10 million Altona Pier has been chosen by Parks Victoria following feedback from the community.
The new pier will have an angled head of about 45 degrees and with seating and shade, the state government will announce today.
Its design was chosen after more than 1200 people submitted feedback on three options.
More than 60 per cent of people chose an angled pier head as their preference.
Two other options, now canned, had been to replace the pier with a similar layout and length or to build a T-shaped head, providing more space for recreational activities such as fishing.
Altona Pier was built in 1888 and was originally 149 metres longer, extending nearly 400 metres into Altona Bay.
Its longer length was designed for its original purpose to transport potential land buyers by steamship and later to ferry people to and from the city.
Significant repair works were carried out in 1950s, but the government says the current structure is nearing the end of its functional life.
Williamstown MP and Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne said the chosen design reflected the heritage and community value of the pier.
“Altona Beach is one of Melbourne’s most iconic waterfronts and we’ve heard from more than 1200 locals about the vision they have for Altona Pier,” she said.
“The new pier will feature a modern design that provides more space for families as well as better facilities for fishers and swimmers.”
It’s the main public pier between Werribee South and Port Melbourne, drawing large numbers of people from across Melbourne.
Many survey respondents said they visited the pier weekly to walk.
Detailed design work is now under way, with construction expected to start in the second half of 2021 and finish in late 2023.
The pier rebuild is part of a $24 million investment into the government’s Better Piers and Waterside Facilities program.
Under the government’s program, Portarlington Pier will also undergo a $9.6 million redevelopment and repairs and safety upgrades will be carried out at several other piers including Middle Brighton, Queenscliff South and Rye.
Hobsons Bay council is separately redeveloping the Altona foreshore.
A pedestrian promenade will be built in the Esplanade, between Bent and Pier streets.
