Project: St Kilda Pier Redevelopment
Location: St Kilda, Victoria, Australia

Breathing New Life into a Melbourne Icon

St Kilda Pier Redevelopment bench seating and kiosk. Photo by @st_kilda_today

The St Kilda Pier redevelopment represents one of Australia’s most iconic and ambitious public infrastructure projects. Focused on improving access, sustainability, and community engagement this redevelopment, with a $50 million investment from the Victorian Government, marks the largest construction project for any pier in Victoria's history.

Peninsula Recycled Timber is proud to have partnered with Simpson Construction on this project. Our work, grading and processing the old pier and repurposing the timber into new bench seating, is at the very heart of our philosophy on sustainable and environmental practices and it’s been such an honour to play a role in its success.

At the opening of the pier in December 2024, it was wonderful to witness the incredibly warm reception this complex and challenging project received. In just over three years, this historic bayside destination has been truly transformed preserving its historical charm for future generations.

Goals

Sustainability: Peninsula Recycled Timber graded and prepped the recycled timber, sourced from the existing structures, to ensure the project adhered to environmental goals. The processed timber was repurposed for use 16 large scale bench seats as well as signage, minimising environmental impact and enhancing the pier’s eco-friendly credentials.
Heritage Preservation: By reusing timber from the original pier, we helped ensure the historical integrity of the site. The timber used by our team carried the history of the original pier, helping blend the new construction with the site’s legacy.
Community Access & Experience: The bench seats contributed to the project’s goal of enhancing visitor experience providing improved access and comfort for visitors, and aligning with the project’s focus on creating a more user-friendly space.

Section of the new pier with Peninsula Recycled Timber’s salvaged timber bench seat. Photo courtesy Simpson Construction.

Challenges

Environmental Sensitivity: Our team worked to ensure the recycled timber was processed with care, salvaging as much usable timber as possible for use as pier seating, signage and other future projects.
Timing & Coordination: Peninsula Recycled Timber’s efficient processing and preparation of the recycled timber helped keep the project on schedule, ensuring materials were available and ready for installation during each phase of the redevelopment.
Public Engagement: Through the use of recycled materials, we were proud to support the project's efforts to engage the community by promoting sustainability and heritage preservation, key factors in maintaining positive public sentiment and something we’re very passionate about!

Aerial view St Kilda Pier Redevelopment bench seats at night. Photo courtesy Simpson Construction.

Peninsula Recycled Timber’s Key Contributions

Peninsula Recycled Timber worked processed and delivered the high-quality recycled timber used in this project, contributing to both environmental and aesthetic goals. Notably:

Timber Bench Seats: Crafted from recycled St Kilda pier, the bench seats serve as tribute to the pier’s historical significance. Some of the seats even feature burn marks from the infamous 2004 fire, adding an element of heritage to the new structure.
St Kila Pier Signage: The handmade signage similarly serves as a great way to honour the old pier and the history of the area. Plus, by utilising smaller sections from the old pier for this purpose, we could ensure the preservation of sections that may have ended up in landfill due to their unsuitability for larger projects.

Results

Improved Access & Facilities: The new pier design enhances visitor access, featuring a curved alignment that provides enhanced seating areas, more efficient access points for ferries, and improved views over the bay.
Heritage Integration: The recycled timber used for the bench seating and signage ties the new pier design back to its historical roots while offering a contemporary look that appeals to today’s visitor.
Community Engagement: Public sentiment towards the project remained positive, with the new pier quickly becoming a landmark for both locals and tourists.

Salvaged timber bench seats by Peninsula Recycled Timber. Photo courtesy Simpson Construction.

A Lasting Legacy for Generations

With a focus on preserving heritage, protecting the environment and providing better access, the redevelopment has ensured that St Kilda Pier remains a vibrant, iconic part of Melbourne’s cultural and recreational landscape for years to come.

The St Kilda Pier redevelopment, proudly supported by Peninsula Recycled Timber, is a shining example of how sustainable, recycled materials can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of a major public infrastructure project.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank Simpson Construction, JCB architects, Site Office Landscape Architects and Parks Victoria. It has been an honour to be involved in such an iconic project and to have contributed to this amazing construction.

Case Study 1. Peninsula Recycled Timber: St Kilda Pier Redevelopment