FERGUSON STREET PIER
FERGUSON STREET AND NELSON PLACE WILLIAMSTOWN, HOBSONS BAY CITY
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Statement of Significance
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FERGUSON STREET PIER - History
In 1922, it was reported that the PWD had previously had a blacksmith shop and slipway at the foot of Ferguson St for the repair of floating plant, which was later abandoned when the Graving Dock was built. Initially called the Rosny Pier, tenders were called to construct this pier in 1924.
Due to a dispute between over jurisdiction, the shoreward bluestone section of the pier was built by the Williamstown City Council, and the seaward end was built by the Melbourne Harbour Trust. The outer section was 130 ft long x 30 ft wide, and was constructed in 1924 by the MHT (who shared the cost with the WCC). The timber approach (440 x 14 ft) was constructed between 1926 - 27, and a 250 ft long stone approach added in 1927 which was paid for by the WCC with some materials supplied by the MHT. In 1928, a timber shelter shed was added to the pier's end for passengers awaiting the SS Rosny ferry service. A low level landing was built on the pier's northern side from 1936-37. In 1965, the Hobson's Bay Yacht Club was granted permission to moor its vessels on the south side of the pier, and has since expanded to occupy both sides of the pier (Leak, pers comms).
FERGUSON STREET PIER - Interpretation of Site
The timber approach (440 x 14ft) was constructed between 1926-27, and a 250 ft long stone approach added in 1927 which was paid for by the WCC with some materials supplied by the MHT. In 1928, a timber shelter shed was added to the pier's end for passengers awaiting the SS Rosny ferry service. A low level landing was built on the pier's northern side from 1936-37. In 1965, the Hobson's Bay Yacht Club was granted permission to moor its vessels on the south side of the pier, and has since expanded to occupy both sides of the pier (Leak, pers comms). The pier is a rare example of a structure that was built in two halves by government and private developments.
It is of social significance as one of many former ferry landings in this area. It is also of significance as part of a chain of former Melbourne Harbour Trust depots in the Williamstown area.
Due to a dispute between over jurisdiction, the shoreward bluestone section of the pier was built by the Williamstown City Council, and the seaward end was built by the Melbourne Harbour Trust. The outer section was 130 ft long x 30 ft wide, and was constructed in 1924 by the MHT (who shared the cost with the WCC). The pier is currently under reconstruction with Parks Victoria, and piles have been reported being removed, and a new deck added.
Heritage Inventory Description
FERGUSON STREET PIER - Heritage Inventory Description
Sections of the original pier piles are still left onsite. There also appears to be a bluestone section of the jetty approach to the pier at the shoreward end.
Pier, jetty, harbour depot and associated artefacts from the site's former use.
Archeological Potential: Fair
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FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
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