Doors open on Hobart waterfront's $12m floating pier shopping complex
A three-storey floating pier and shopping complex on the Hobart waterfront has been officially opened, although it is not yet finished.
The Brooke Street Pier and ferry terminal houses 18 market-style stalls, a cafe and a restaurant.
The concrete pontoon was towed into place in November and construction was expected to be finished before the busy festive season.
The fit-out has taken longer than expected and it is still several weeks away from completion.
Project spokesman Scott Ashton-Jones said the project had been a major undertaking.
"Eight years in gestation, less than one in construction, a tall order," he said.
"Our very professional team has done all they can to make it on time and we nearly made it, but not quite.
"We are creating a precinct, not just a pier."
The structure, which uses sea water to heat and cool the building, also provides a new ferry terminal for the waterfront.
Ferry operator Peter Shield said it was a major improvement for passengers.
"What we had was, it was about to fall in the river, it was pretty dilapidated," he said.
