Williamstown Foreshore Strategic Plan 2010 - Parks Victoria

3.6.1 Description and characteristicsof Precinct Five: The WharvesThe Wharves Precinct begins at Ann Street Pier and ends atBreakwater Pier. The Precinct is a very important industrial areafocusing on marine engineering and protection of this industryis paramount. The shipbuilding operations make a significantcontribution to State economic development and employment.The Wharves is representative of Williamstown’s history, whichprimarily began as a marine industrial area. This is reflectedthrough the large BAE Systems Australia site (formerly Tenix)situated at the southern end of this Precinct, which is alsoprotected by a Heritage Overlay. The expanse of water withinthis Precinct is managed by the Port of Melbourne Corporation,with the area between Gellibrand Pier and Breakwater Pierdesignated as a Security Regulated Zone. There is no publicaccess to any of the piers within this Precinct.Various uses adjoin the Precinct, namely industrial, tourism andopen space. The area surrounding The Wharves is experiencingpressure to change, with a greater emphasis on mixed usedevelopments. One such example is the proposal for the formerPort Phillip Woollen Mill (bounded by Ann Street, Nelson Place,Kanowna Street and Aitken Street).3.6.2 Community aspirationsThe community/stakeholder consultation highlighted continuedsupport for maritime industry.3.6.3 Key issues and opportunitiesLandscapingHobsons Bay City Council and the Port of MelbourneCorporation are currently renewing Elm trees to reinforce theplanting that is representative of the streets in the locality.Industrial/Port ActivitiesThe Council’s Industrial Land Management Strategy 2008highlights the importance of protecting existing industry inthis location. An increase in sensitive uses in proximity toThe Wharves may present the Precinct with some challengeswith regard to managing amenity impacts (such as noise andlighting) resulting from the industrial uses occurring on site.As the area around The Wharves experiences change, theremay also be increased pressure to modify the focus/useof the Precinct. Any discussions or investigations into thismatter should consider the importance of the industrial andport activities currently taking place on site and the difficultyassociated with relocating these activities elsewhere.3.6.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct Five:• Continue with the planting program using vegetation that isrepresentative of streets in the locality.• Support and enhance existing industrial/port activities. Anychanges to the existing use will require detailed investigationand master planning to be undertaken.31