Duratec embarks on historic remediation of Williamstown Workshop – preserving Melbourne’s maritime history
Duratec has commenced critical remediation works on the historic Workshop Jetty in Hobsons Bay, Williamstown, following its closure in late 2021 due to structural deterioration.
Engaged by Parks Victoria, the project began in February 2025 with pre-construction and dilapidation surveys, supported by precise 3D scanning and modelling of the existing structure.
Construction works will reinstate safe access and berthing capacity, ensuring the jetty remains a functional asset to the community. The full remediation is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Roland Keath, Operations Manager at Duratec, said:
“We’re essentially building a new wharf underneath the old one. We’re lifting a series of three-tonne, twelve-metre-long steel modules to support the entire length of the deck in three rows. These modules will be supported by new steel piles driven through via holes we have cut into the deck from above.
“We’ll then tie the modules into the driven steel piles with steel reinforced concrete pile caps, once cured, we’ll reinstate the deck and all the jewellery (bollards, ladders, kerbing timber, fendering, new power pedestals) on top.
“There’s a lot of different work fronts, in a large area to do it in, but projects like this show that we can really deliver.”
The jetty was originally constructed in 1942 and rebuilt in 1976/77 by the Port of Melbourne Authority and has long served as a key mooring site for Tall Ships and other historic vessels.
Now managed by the Seaworks Foundation, the jetty plays a central role in promoting maritime history and supporting tourism, education, and cultural activities.
The full scope of works include:
- Progressive installation of timber pile splices for deck stabilisation and access
- Cut-out of 90 holes through existing deck sections for pile driving
- Installation of steel modules beneath the pier
- Driving new steel piles through deck openings and steel modules
- Reinforced concrete stitch pours to integrate new piles into the steel modules
- Removal of obstructions using hydraulic chainsaws and divers
- Demolition of timber piles and fendering
- Removal of outdated kerbing, ladders, steelwork, and plumbing
- Installation of new fender systems
- Refurbishment of steel bollards
- Concrete patchwork and remediation
- New electrical conduits and plumbing aligned with steel modules
Seaworks Foundation envisions welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually by 2028 and aims to offer immersive experiences in the revitalised waterfront spaces. Duratec’s restoration of Workshop Jetty is a vital step in realising this vision.
