THE HISTORIC Workshops Pier at Williamstown, Melbourne has re-opened following a state government-funded reconstruction project and will become the new home of Victoria’s heritage fleet.
The upgraded pier at Seaworks has been strengthened with the 90 new steel piles, using around 1.7 kilometres of steel, while the low landing has also been rebuilt, alongside essential service upgrades, improving safety and operations.
In the coming months, Seaworks will welcome historic vessels including Enterprize, Alma Doepel and Wattle, (all re-locating from Docklands) giving locals and visitors direct access to Victoria’s maritime history, the government says.
Built in 1942, Workshops Pier remains the only public port facility in the inner city capable of accommodating large vessels. It remains the primary berthing site for visiting tall ships, as well as small commercial and historic vessels.
Following the upgrade, the pier can now accommodate vessels up to 75 metres on the eastern side and up to 20 metres on the western side.
These works are part of the government’s $46 million investment in piers and jetties across the state, including upgrades at St Leonards, Dromana and Warneet.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said: “We’ve rebuilt Workshops Pier so it can continue to welcome ships and visitors for decades to come. This is about protecting a key piece of Victoria’s maritime history and as the local member for Williamstown, I am incredibly excited for our community and the maritime tourism the Heritage Fleet will bring to our community.”
Seaworks Foundation chairman Capt Warwick Norman AM said with the restoration of Workshops Pier “we are able to provide a new home to Victoria's heritage fleet, and one day welcome tall ships back to Seaworks. Seeing these historic vessels silhouetted against the modern Melbourne skyline will capture the meeting of old and new, reflecting the essence of Seaworks as a contemporary precinct for maritime heritage.”
Enterprize Trustees chair and Western Melbourne Tourism chair Scott Chapman added: “The completion of the new pier and the relocation of the maritime heritage fleet mark a significant milestone for Seaworks and the Williamstown waterfront. As Victoria’s official tall ship, Enterprize is proud to be part of this next chapter in showcasing our state’s rich maritime heritage.”