A representative for eight businesses based on Melbourne's Central Pier have expressed "disbelief" at Development Victoria's decision not to reopen the 100-year-old structure.

Development Victoria on Friday announced its decision not to reopen the pier, following a 15-week assessment of the structure by engineering firm KBR.

The closure resulted in the loss of 1300 jobs, according to a spokesperson for the business which occupied the now-abandoned pier.

The pier remains fenced off and closed after it was shut due to structural issues. Credit:Darrian Traynor

Restaurants and function venues were abruptly evacuated on August 28 after engineers told Development Victoria – which is responsible for the Docklands pier – that the structure needed to be closed as it had rapidly deteriorated and wasn't safe to use.