Central Pier saga enters a new phase
Image credit: Development Victoria
The sorry saga of Central Pier continues, with Development Victoria announcing that works are underway to remove the heritage-listed asset from Victoria Harbour.
The government agency has appointed Fitzgerald Constructions Australia, a specialist marine contractor, to remove the pier. Development Victoria also secured a permit from Heritage Victoria to remove the structure under the requirements of the Heritage Act 2017.
Central Pier housed several buildings leased by various tenants, including The Atlantic Group. All tenants were abruptly evacuated in 2020 following advice from engineers that the entire structure could collapse at any moment.
The tenants subsequently launched legal action against Development Victoria, claiming that the agency knew the pier was at risk of catastrophic failure for almost a year. They also claim that the agency did not act on that advice in an attempt to avoid paying compensation to lessees. Those proceedings continue, with the latest court date set for December 2023.
The agency will now work with Heritage Victoria and the local community to develop a revitalisation plan for the site.
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