One of Melbourne's most treasured landmarks has just had a glow up, with a massive redevelopment completed to create a new and improved version of St Kilda Pier. It's just officially opened to the public, and the new design is pretty swish.
The $53 million makeover has been finished in time for the rest of summer, so now the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the popular St Kilda spot can enjoy it even more. Some of the new features are a swanky curved walkway, increased capacity for more people, better views of the surrounding bay and city skyline, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, new and improved toilets and tiered seating.
Plus, there's an improved viewing platform for the beloved Little Penguins, as the number of visitors to see these cuties has swelled in recent years. The design will provide better viewing and also protect the precious penguins.
The works have been the biggest pier upgrade in Melbourne’s history, as the pier spans a whopping 450 metres, and the plans have been in the making for more than four years. The construction took almost three years, but it's worth the wait.
Thankfully, the heritage kiosk at the pier is preserved, but the old pier's timber will now be removed as it's over 40 years old and ready to be retired.
So the next time you're craving fish and chips, a beach day or an ice cream, head to the new pier and experience the fresh boardwalk, which now has plenty of life left in it for Melburnians to enjoy.
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