Schematic designs for Melbourne’s new Altona Pier have been released, showing a new concrete Y-shaped structure which reuses the original pier’s wood as decking.
The original Altona Pier in Melbourne’s western suburbs was built around 140 years ago and is nearing the end of its design life, now posing safety risks despite significant repairs done in the 1980s.
The original pier is partially closed following storm damage in June 2021 when the landing broke away. Eventually the entire pier will be closed to allow existing timber to be assessed, salvaged and milled for reuse on the new structure.
Following a consultation process in 2020 on three concept designs, the majority of respondents preferred the Y-shaped angled head pier put forward by Jackson Clement Burrows Architects.
Victoria’s Department of transport appointed JCB Architects for their design along with AW Maritime, marine engineers, and Site Office, landscape architects. Schematic designs have now been released with detailed designs due mid-year. Construction of the new Altona Pier is expected to commence late in 2022 and to be completed a year later.
The new Altona Pier will be wide enough for emergency vehicles to turn around at its head and will include lighting and an accessible lower landing for swimming and boating.
Redevelopment of the Altona Pier is one of five major pier redevelopment projects by the Victoria Government that include Rye Pier, Portarlington Pier, St Kilda Pier and Flinders Pier.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.