Controversial party boat owners 'devastated' after being targeted by suspected arsonist

The owner of a Melbourne floating nightclub is "shocked" after his business was targeted by a suspected arsonist yesterday.

The 570-square-metre barge, which is home to the club ATET in Docklands, will be out of business for some time after the venue was set alight in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Venue owner Jake Hughes said venue's team is devastated by the targeted attack.

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"For me and my family, it's our whole lives and our incredible team of staff, that is their whole life.

"It's difficult."

Furniture, plants, parts of the marquee and wooden decking have all been destroyed in the fire.

"We are still in a bit of shock," he said.

"We are still trying to process what's happened and it's hard to imagine who would go to this length to destroy something that we've put our heart and soul into for six years."

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ATET employs 50 staff including DJs and bar staff, and the business is now trying to work out ways to support them during the shutdown.

The venue had a controversial start in November, when it received multiple noise complaints from Docklands residents.

One resident today told 9News they weren't surprised the venue was targeted.

"I actually threatened to burn this place down and it actually burnt down coincidentally," they said.

"So yeah. S--- happens."

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The venue has received support from the City of Melbourne and Development Victoria.

While the owners haven't been able to clean up or officially assess the damage, they are hopeful they will be back up and running in a matter of weeks.

Police are now looking through 18 security cameras from the wharf precinct as they track down the suspected arsonist.

Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact police.

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