St Leonards Pier Rebuild and Local Port Area Plan

Project status 

March 2026

  • The detailed design for the St Leonards Pier rebuild has now been finalised, marking a significant milestone for the project.
  • The design has been shaped by strong community input and focuses on accessibility, safety, recreation and celebrating the unique coastal setting of St Leonards. 
  • Detailed technical and heritage investigations have guided the design, ensuring the protection of heritage values, including known shipwrecks and archaeological material. 
  • Community Information Sessions
     
    Parks Victoria will be sharing the finalised design for the new St Leonards Pier with the community.
     
    Pop-up sessions at St Leonards Pier
               Wednesday, April 1
               9.30 -11.30 am
               1.30 -3.30 pm
     
    You can also find us at the:
     
    St Leonards Foreshore Market
                 Easter Saturday, April 4 
                 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
     
    Come down for a chat and view the design for the upcoming pier rebuild. Everyone is welcome.


  •  

Above: Artist's impression illustrating the new St Leonards Pier

 

The St Leonards Pier is a recreational pier and will continue to service may users.

Key features of the new pier design:

  • A fully accessible, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 compliant pier with improved circulation and safety. 
  • Designated wheelchair accessible fishing locations.
  • A mix of seating, including benches with backs and armrests and curved seating, that maximises views across the bay. 
  • A distinctive wave-inspired balustrade design reflecting the coastal environment. 
  • A larger Sirens Kiosk deck area for tables, seating and social connection. 
  • Fishing rod holders along the pier and finger jetty.
  • A low landing with ramped and stepped access supporting divers, snorkellers and safe short stay berthing for boaters. 
  • Interpretive signage sharing the pier's maritime history and local marine life. 
  • Marine-friendly design with coral-shaped artificial caps creating new habitat on cut-off piles from the old pier, adjacent to the new pier. 

 



  • Above: Artist's impression illustrating the new St Leonards Pier

 



 Above: Artist's impression illustrating St Leonards Pier entry.
         

The project 

This project is being delivered on Wadawurrung Sea Country 

Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, St Leonards Pier is popular with people accessing the many great recreational boating and fishing opportunities on offer in Port Phillip Bay and is valued by locals and visitors.  

Originally constructed in the 1860s and most recently reconstructed in 1957, the existing pier is now reaching the end of its service life.  

To ensure the pier remains a feature of the area, funding to replace the ageing pier was committed in the Victorian State Budget 2023-24.  
 
The St Leonards Local Port Area Plan, released in 2025, outlined the alignment and design of the new pier in readiness for construction.  
 
The new pier design delivers an accessible layout with improved circulation and enhanced safety for all users.  
 
The design incorporates a mix of seating options, benches and curved seating that maximise views across the bay. The deck area at the pier entry, adjacent to Sirens Kiosk, is extended to create additional space for social connection, with new tables and seating provided to support community use. 
 
The project recognises and respects the site’s heritage and marine environment. The pier alignment is offset from the existing pier to protect nearby historic wrecks, and the low landing stairs will provide safe access to the water for divers and snorkellers.  
 
These improvements will ensure St Leonards remains a safe, accessible and vibrant community asset for years to come. 

 

Above: St Leonards Local Port Area Precinct Plan

 

 st leonards
Above: An aerial view of St Leonards local port area and supporting infrastructure (Credit: DEECA) 

 

Project partner and funding

Department of Transport

This project is funded by the Victorian Government’s $46 million investment in critical pier and jetty rebuilds and repairs across the state announced as an initiative for the 2023-24 State Budget.

  

Related information 

 

Project timeline 

 Design and Delivery Phase  – St Leonards Pier Rebuild

 

 

Frequently asked questions  

 
Why is the St Leonards Pier being rebuilt?  
The existing pier has reached the end of its serviceable life and requires full replacement to ensure safety, continued public access and long-term resilience in a marine environment. 
During community consultation on detailed design elements, the community told us that salvaging materials from the existing structure for use in seating options of the new pier to maintain the historical value of the precinct.  

What stage is the project at? 
The design of the new pier is now complete, and the project is moving into procurement. A competitive tender process will shortly open to appoint a lead construction partner to deliver the rebuild. 
Following contractor appointment and detailed planning, construction will commence, with the new pier anticipated to open in late 2027, subject to weather and site conditions. 

When will the demolition of the old pier take place? 
Construction and demolition will take place concurrently to deliver the project in the most efficient manner possible.  

How long will construction take?  
The new pier is expected to be completed by late 2027.  Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a lead construction partner is appointed and detailed construction planning is complete. 

What features will the new pier include? 
The pier will include improved accessibility, seating areas, and recreational fishing infrastructure such as rod holders and interpretative and educational signage, shaped through community input and technical design. 

How has the community been involved in the pier design? 
Community feedback has informed the development of the St Leonards Local Port Area Plan, released in 2025, which established the preferred alignment and overall vision for the new pier. 
Input from residents, pier users and stakeholders helped shape design elements, including improved accessibility, seating, recreational fishing amenity and interpretive and educational signage. 

Staying updated 

 

For general enquiries email engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963. Subscribe for project updates.

  

 
 
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