RMYS is keeping close tabs on the St Kilda Pier Redevelopment currently in the works by Parks Victoria. 

RMYS is one of the representatives of the Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG). The SRG consists of members who represent the views and interests of stakeholders and community groups. This group provides a forum for sharing information, gaining feedback and capturing local views.

You can find the most up-to-date information from Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/st-kilda-pier-redevelopment. 

Experienced contractors now bidding to construct the new St Kilda Pier

Following the launch of the project’s schematic design in December 2020, we began the construction tendering process through an advanced expression of interest. This process concluded with a shortlist of suitable contractors able to tender for the construction contract. The tender for construction opened on 30 April 2021.

Following receipt of tenders, we will choose a suitable construction partner. Construction of the new pier is set to commence late-2021. We’ll keep you informed over the coming months as we work towards selecting a suitable construction partner to redevelop the iconic St Kilda Pier. 

Detailed design changes to the schematic design

In December 2020 we shared the pier’s schematic designs. Since then, working with Jackson Clements Burrow Architects, AW Maritime and Site Office Landscape Architects, we’ve undertaken further engineering, heritage, geological, planning investigations and stakeholder discussions to develop a detailed design for construction. Images and a video of the detailed design will be available on the project website on Monday 3 May 2021 www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/st-kilda-pier-redevelopment.

The detailed designs include resolution of the structural and architectural elements of the design. Key design resolutions from the detailed design phase include:

Penguin platform adjustments

The penguin viewing experience will be enhanced with an elevated timber boardwalk moved away from the breakwater to improve visitor experience and to ensure penguins don’t have to pass beneath visitors’ feet to get back to their homes each night.

Updated beach access ramp

Access to St Kilda Beach for council’s beach cleaning tractor will be provided by a ramp that splits off from the main pier 40m from the entry. This ramp will also meet access for all abilities standards. 

Seating and lighting

We’ve heard strong community support for more seating and lighting on the new pier. The detailed design includes specification of natural timber seating at regular intervals along the pier and in the penguin viewing area. This new seating will encourage a broader mix of visitors and abilities and encourage people to stay longer to enjoy the pier and its views. 

Lighting installations have been designed to illuminate the pier walkway for pedestrian safety while minimising impact on wildlife including penguins, Rakali and fish. Energy efficient pole lighting will provide for safe public access in the evenings. 

In the penguin area, lighting is to be integrated into the viewing platform to minimise light pollution on the penguins and create a better viewing experience for visitors. 

What’s next?

The tender for construction opened on 30 April 2021. Following this we will work through the selection process and choose a suitable construction partner. Construction of the new pier is set to commence late-2021.

Project timeline

Current – Tender submissions and evaluation
Late 2021 – Construction commences
Late 2023 –Target completion date of the new pier
2024 – Demolition of the existing pier will commence following completion of the new pier 
 

Thank you for your feedback

Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute their feedback and ideas toward the designs. Between 2017 and 2020 we heard from hundreds of people who provided detailed feedback about what they would like to see in a new St Kilda Pier. Some of the key consultation findings were:
•    Support for a curved alignment over the traditional straight pier
•    Improve penguin protection and visitor viewing experience
•    Provision of seating and lighting and a more attractive pier entrance 
•    Improvement to public toilets
•    Improved delivery vehicle and pedestrian separation

Construction

In the lead up and during construction we will continue working with the established stakeholder reference group to help share information and minimise impacts on stakeholders and community. We’ll also keep you informed on what to expect during construction as the project progresses via the project website and project updates.

For more design images and to sign up for  the latest email updates, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/st-kilda-pier-redevelopment