The adjacent St Kilda Pier was rebuilt in the 1970s, but redevelopment of the Sea Baths was not discussed until 1989. In late 1991 the state government sought redevelopment proposals for the site. In 1993 the Sea Baths closed, and in 1995 all but the domes were demolished in preparation to build a new sea baths. The planning and construction was beset with controversy and the failure of the development company until a new company, South Pacific St Kilda Pty Ltd, was granted a 50-year lease in 1999, and a new design, along with an adjacent underground carpark, was approved in 2000. During its construction, it became apparent that the complex was taller than the local St Kilda community expected, concerned that it would interrupt views to the bay. Deputy Premier John Thwaites officially opened the $55 million, 10,000 square metre pool complex, in 2001.