Docklands' Central Pier and All of Its Venues Have Shut Indefinitely Due to Safety Concerns

UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 — Melburnians will need to wait until next year to head back to Docklands' Central Pier for a wine, dine or a dance. The century-old pier will remain closed until at least January 2020, Development Victoria has revealed in a statement, with initial assessments by engineers expected to take 15 weeks. After the assessments are complete, it'll be known how much repair work is required — which means it could be closed far beyond January, too.

In a Facebook post, Atlantic Group (which leases and operates several venues and event spaces on the pier, including nightclub Alumbra) said that it was working hard to relocate all functions to other venues. You can read the group's full statement below.

This weekend's party plans could be in for a bit of a shake-up, especially if you like wining, dining, or dancing by the water. Docklands' Central Pier — and all the businesses located on it — was yesterday completely evacuated due to safety concerns and reports suggest it'll be off limits and out of action for a good, long while.

The 100-year-old pier's landlord, Development Victoria, confirmed the century-old pier and its venues were forced to close immediately on Wednesday, August 28, after engineers advised the structure had suffered significant deterioration and was unsafe for use. Popular residents including gastropub The Woolshed, artisan breadhouse Mill & Bakery and Middle Eastern eatery Mama Rumaan were evacuated on the spot. The pier's numerous events spaces were also declared no-go zones — a bummer especially for organisers of last night's Deakin University commerce ball, which was forced to move location at the last minute.

Geoff Ward, spokesperson for Development Victoria, revealed the pier had undergone structural stabilisation in the past two years and had consistently been given the safety tick of approval."Engineers have been inspecting the pier every two months since November 2018 and had previously provided certification that supported the ongoing occupation of the pier," he confirmed. But yesterday's assessment saw immediate closure of the pier. As of this morning, fencing and signage across the front of Central Pier has gone up, preventing any access while Development Victoria waits on further engineering advice about its future.

There's no word yet as to how long the precinct will be off limits, though we do know it won't be hosting any of its usual partying this weekend, as confirmed by popular Central Pier nightclub Alumbra. Alumbra posted to the Facebook page for its Saturday club night 9th District, confirming that "9th District and any other business on central pier will not be running this weekend". The venue has "a move in place that will be unveiled in the next few days".

Images: Giulia Morlando.