A much-beloved landmark along the Maribyrnong River is now open for community members to enjoy.
Fresh life has been breathed into the historic Footscray Wharf precinct to better connect the local community with the Maribyrnong River.
The $12m upgrade features a new 230-metre-long timber boardwalk with a fixed lower landing and floating pontoon to provide access to the water.
There is also a new wider pedestrian promenade connected to the Maribyrnong River Trail, seating spaces, and sheltered picnic and barbecue areas.
Planted alongside the boardwalk are new palm trees, as well as new lighting while the embankment of the river has been stabilised and protected.
Historical rail enthusiasts will be pleased to note that the historical rail spur line has been retained and incorporated into the landscape.
The Footscray Wharf revitalisation project was jointly funded by both the West Gate Tunnel Project and Maribyrnong City Council.
To further open the Maribyrnong River’s edge for the community to enjoy, the project will deliver a new landscaped recreation space south of Shepherd Bridge, which includes bike paths connecting to new wetlands and open space near the entry and exit of the West Gate Tunnel at Whitehall Street.
The project is also building a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River that will link the West Gate Tunnel to an elevated roadway above Footscray Road. Learn more about how this vital second river crossing will end Melbourne's reliance on the West Gate Bridge