Atlantic Group chief executive Hatem Saleh,who ran four function rooms in one of the sheds from 2007,said he was saddened that Development Victoria was focused on demolishing a historic site.
“It is baffling that this is an attempt to really focus on the future and forget about the past,” Saleh said.
Heritage Victoria has issued a permit to Development Victoria allowing the state government body to demolish the whole structure which has continued to deteriorate since its closure and is now too unsafe to access or restore.
With Central Pier to face the wrecking ball in 2023,Development Victoria is now seeking submissions and community feedback on the pier’s revitalisation.
One popular proposal is to replace the pier with a large fish-shaped structure containing a fresh food market,hawker-style eateries,restaurants,a conference centre and a university marine biology campus.
Ian Wight,acting chair of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria’s heritage committee,lamented the fact the pier’s condition had deteriorated to the point it was unsafe.