St Kilda Pier Reopens After a $53 Million Redevelopment
One of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks has undergone a major transformation, with the completion of a large-scale redevelopment bringing a fresh new look to St Kilda Pier. Now officially open to the public, the redesigned structure enhances both functionality and aesthetics, just in time for summer.
The $53 million upgrade introduces a range of improvements, including a stylish curved walkway, expanded space for visitors, enhanced views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline, improved accessibility, upgraded toilet facilities, and tiered seating for better public use.
A key highlight of the redevelopment is the improved viewing platform for the St Kilda Little Penguins, designed to accommodate growing visitor numbers while ensuring the protection of the colony. The new layout offers better vantage points for wildlife enthusiasts while maintaining a safe and respectful distance from the penguins’ habitat.
Spanning 450 metres, this project represents the most extensive pier upgrade in Melbourne’s history. Years of planning and nearly three years of construction have resulted in a modern, durable structure that will serve the community for generations to come.
The heritage kiosk remains preserved as a cherished part of the pier’s history, while the aging timber from the previous structure—over 40 years old—will be carefully removed.
With the new boardwalk now open, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the pier, take in the coastal views, or relax by the water. Whether it’s a day out for fish and chips, a beach visit, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, the revitalized St Kilda Pier is set to be a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Redeveloped St Kilda Pier: A Stunning New Landmark for Melbourne
St Kilda, with its vibrant mix of history, culture, and seaside charm, has long been a treasured destination for Melburnians and tourists alike. Now, with the completion of the massive redevelopment of St Kilda Pier, the area has been reinvigorated with a striking new design that enhances both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project, led by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects in collaboration with Site Office landscape architects and AW Maritime, is a stunning example of thoughtful urban planning and coastal engineering.
A New Era for St Kilda Pier
The redevelopment of St Kilda Pier, which began construction in February 2022, has been a long time in the making. The $53 million project replaces the old pier, which was reaching the end of its life, with a modern and durable structure that balances contemporary design with respect for its historical significance. The new 450-metre-long pier is expected to draw more than 830,000 visitors annually, cementing its status as one of Melbourne’s top waterfront attractions.
The pier’s striking curved alignment—a departure from its former straight-out design—was chosen after extensive community consultation. This new orientation creates a sheltered bay-like space, improving access and safety for visitors while enhancing the area’s natural beauty. The layout evokes the elegance of international coastal structures such as White Arkitekter’s Kastrup Sea Bath in Denmark.
Features of the New Pier
The redesign brings numerous benefits and enhancements, including:
- A Curved Walkway & Amphitheatre-Style Seating: The pier now features a visually stunning curved path leading to an expanded recreational space at the end, where tiered steps create an inviting amphitheatre overlooking the bay. This area has quickly become a hotspot for visitors, particularly teenagers who, despite signs forbidding it, eagerly leap into the water from the timber terraces.
- Improved Accessibility & Safety: The new pier includes emergency vehicle access and better facilities for ferry and tour operators. A new low landing at the St Kilda foreshore improves convenience for passengers.
- Enhanced Penguin Viewing Experience: The area surrounding the famous St Kilda penguin colony has been upgraded with designated viewing platforms. These wavy-edged podiums allow visitors to admire the penguins while ensuring their habitat remains undisturbed.
- Durable Construction Materials: The pier is supported by 240 steel piles and 500 concrete segments, with 8,800 timber deck boards secured by 65,000 screws. These materials ensure longevity and resilience against the elements.
- Expanded Amenities: Additional toilets and a new community space near the historic St Kilda Pier Kiosk (set to reopen soon under a new operator) provide much-needed facilities for the increasing number of visitors.
Design Philosophy and Public Reception
The success of the redevelopment lies not only in its practical upgrades but also in its ability to enhance the experience of being at St Kilda Pier. The elegant design touches, such as a delicate fishbone-patterned balustrade and carefully placed seating, blend functionality with an aesthetic appeal that respects the pier’s heritage. The vertical “wave wall” along the pier functions as both a concrete bench and a protective barrier against wave overtopping during storm surges.
The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Locals and tourists alike have embraced the pier as a premier gathering space, whether for strolling along the boardwalk, watching the sunset, or taking in the lively atmosphere. The natural amphitheatre at the pier’s end has become a dynamic social hub, reminiscent of a seal haul-out, where sunbathers, swimmers, and onlookers create a vibrant community scene.
The Role of Swimming and Changing Facilities
One of the more curious aspects of the redevelopment is its relationship with swimming. While the pier’s new design subtly encourages water activities—featuring easy-access ladders and a protected bay-like structure—official communications from Parks Victoria have remained silent on the subject. This omission is notable given the obvious popularity of the pier as a swimming destination.
The lack of designated changing facilities and showers suggests an oversight in planning for the pier’s role as a de facto swimming hub. With only four public toilet cubicles available, the high number of swimmers and sunbathers may face challenges in changing and freshening up after their time in the water. Nonetheless, the community’s enthusiasm for swimming at the pier is undeniable, with visitors taking full advantage of the inviting new layout despite the absence of formal accommodations.
Preserving St Kilda’s Little Penguins and Coastal Ecosystem
An integral part of the redevelopment has been the careful management of the St Kilda penguin colony. The little penguins, which have made their home in the bluestone breakwater since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, are a major drawcard for visitors. However, their growing popularity posed challenges in terms of conservation and crowd control.
To address these issues, the new penguin viewing platforms provide an improved, safe space for visitors to observe the birds while minimizing human interference. Parks Victoria now manages visitor access more carefully, closing the area by 6 p.m. daily to protect the penguins’ habitat. This approach balances the need for public enjoyment with environmental responsibility.
A Landmark Investment in Victoria’s Waterfront
The St Kilda Pier redevelopment is part of a broader initiative by the Victorian Government to invest in local piers and ports. With $46 million allocated to critical pier rebuilds and repairs across the state, Victoria is ensuring that its coastal infrastructure remains both functional and attractive for generations to come. The economic impact of these projects is significant, contributing over $900 million annually to regional and local economies through tourism and marine activities.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne has emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “This is one of the biggest pier upgrades in Melbourne’s history—now families, tourists, and locals can make the most of this stunning redevelopment just in time for summer.”
Similarly, Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor highlighted the pier’s significance: “St Kilda Pier is already one of Melbourne’s most treasured landmarks, and this redevelopment will make it even more special for the hundreds of thousands of Victorians and tourists who flock here each year.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of St Kilda Pier
Although the new pier is now open, the transformation of the St Kilda foreshore is not yet complete. The removal of the old pier and additional promenade works are still underway, further enhancing the area’s appeal. These final stages will ensure that the new St Kilda Pier seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, offering a world-class waterfront experience.
With its stunning design, improved functionality, and commitment to preserving local wildlife, the redeveloped St Kilda Pier is set to become an enduring icon of Melbourne’s coastline. Whether for a leisurely walk, a ferry ride, a glimpse of the famous penguins, or a refreshing swim (officially unacknowledged but widely embraced), the pier now stands as a testament to the vibrant and evolving spirit of St Kilda.
This new chapter in the pier’s history not only revitalizes the waterfront but also reaffirms St Kilda’s status as a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.