Removing two pillars from Geelong staircase

Key points

• The City of Greater Geelong has begun removing two concrete pillars from the Eastern Beach Grand Staircase to ensure community safety. City Infrastructure executive director James Stirton said the staircase, built in 1929, is one of the city's most loved landmarks.
• Independent engineers found during inspections earlier this year that some original concrete had deteriorated despite regular maintenance. The two pillars most severely affected are being removed due to structural concerns, following analysis and discussions with Heritage Victoria.
• Temporary safety fencing will remain, and the rest of the staircase is still safe to use for now.