Final plans released for St Leonards Pier rebuild

The final design for the St Leonards Pier rebuild was released on Tuesday this week.

While the pier’s larger footprint and revised layout were confirmed last year, the final design introduces a series of external refinements shaped by community feedback.

These include curved and bench seating positioned to face the bay, wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms and expanded deck space near Sirens kiosk and the pier’s entrance to enhance its social use.

A low landing will provide improved access for boaters, divers and snorkellers, while fishing rod holders and interpretive signage highlighting maritime history and marine life have also been added.

More than 200 submissions were received during the final phase of community consultation on the project, which ran between October and November last year.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said the design aimed to improve the pier’s access and usability.

“We listened to community feedback and developed a new pier design that protects local heritage while creating a contemporary space for the community to gather, fish, learn and connect with the bay,” Horne said.

The new pier’s alignment has been informed by technical and heritage assessments, with the structure offset from the existing pier to avoid nearby shipwrecks and archaeological material.

The finalised design does not include any changes to the existing breakwall, an issue consistently raised by the community throughout consultation.

Some locals have argued the deteriorating structure should be repaired or reinforced alongside the pier rebuild to improve shelter and safety for vessels during storms.

Questions about the condition of the breakwall, its potential impact on the new pier and these community concerns were put to the Victorian government but were not addressed.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the rebuild was about “more than infrastructure”.

“St Leonards Pier plays a significant role in the local community, which is why we are investing in this upgrade to rebuild this much-loved pier,” she said.

“It’s about creating a safe, inclusive and vibrant community place that locals and visitors will enjoy for generations to come.

“We thank the St Leonards community for their important feedback to help shape this project and are working hard to make sure this landmark can be enjoyed for years to come.”