Melbourne pier to remain shut over Xmas

Businesses along a century-old Melbourne pier will remain shut over the festive season, after the structure was closed because of fears it was a death trap.

Restaurants and bars along Docklands' Central Pier were abruptly evacuated in August after the base of the pier was found to be deteriorating rapidly and pose a risk to life.

It will remain closed until January 6, while divers assess its 1300 supporting piles and the structure is load tested, Development Victoria says.

The pier is more than 100 years old and more than $5.2 million had been spent to make it stable before the closure.

Tenant Central Pier Pty, also known as Atlantic Group, operates several restaurants and function spaces at the site.

It's expected to take about 15 weeks before engineers know what repairs are needed.