Immigration landmark Princes Pier is set to be transformed into a multicultural hub featuring live music, a gallery and films.
The move comes from a push from Nicholas Kotsiras, Minister for Multiculturalism and Citizenship who said events at the hub will begin at the end of the year.
The space will then be used by multicultural groups to hold events and festivals in a bid to create a new tourism precinct and recognise the area’s historical immigration past.
“I want to see the Pier come to life as symbol of our shared past, a reflection of our current reality and as beacon to the future,” Mr Kotsiras told Neos Kosmos.
Princes Pier was redeveloped at a cost of around $34 million. The historic migration site will feature exhibitions, live music, community events, festivals, films and gatherings. Princes Pier was built more than 90 years ago and is one of Melbourne’s most historical waterfront locations, playing a role in Australia’s wartime and multicultural history by being. It was the first landing in Australia for thousands of post-war migrants and the departure point for Australian troops during the First and Second World Wars.
“The Princes Pier is an historically significant site for all Victorians and especially those who migrated here,” said Mr Kotsiras.
“It symbolises the journey and its impact on this land, it is a point or embarkation and disembarkation, it is a pier which has deep significant relevance to all Australians and that is why I want to see it come alive.”
Mr Kotsiras told Neos Kosmos that he would like to “mark the opening of Princes Pier with a photographic exhibition, musical and dance event representing the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the migration agreement between Greece and Australia later this year”.
