Work to demolish Queens Wharf West will begin in July, signalling the start of the next chapter for one of Newcastle’s most iconic waterfront precincts.
The completion of the relocation of Keolis Downer ferry staff across the harbour to a new Stockton-based site office early next month marks the departure of the final tenants of the Queens Wharf West building, enabling the demolition work to start.
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the future potential of the site is exciting.
“Queens Wharf has been much-loved by Novocastrians and visitors to our city for decades, and it’s time to continue that legacy for the next generation,” Cr Morris said.
“This redevelopment is a unique opportunity for all of us. We need to make sure that what comes next is fitting for its stunning location, is a drawcard for visitors to this city, and is something we can all be proud of.”
The start of demolition will follow weeks of sub-structural preparations, including establishment of a floating pontoon to enable the isolation and relocation of utilities connected to the site.
Demolition will begin inside and around the Queens Wharf West building, with internal materials and equipment removed alongside balconies and awnings on the north and south sides.
Work will then start on the main building structure and move from west to east, top to bottom, with two excavators working in tandem to demolish the structure down to the ground floor slab.
City of Newcastle Interim Executive Director of Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said the demolition of the Queens Wharf West marks an important milestone
“This is one of the biggest changes in our foreshore in years and demolition of the building is an important step in reimagining Queens Wharf,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“We want the harbour foreshore to stay accessible and safe throughout this work, and we’re working closely with our contractors to keep disruption in the area to a minimum.”
Wharf Road will remain open to vehicles, while the western car park will be fenced off throughout the duration of the work, with detours in place for walkers and cyclists.
There may be alternate access routes to the ferry wharf in place as needed throughout the project, but there are no anticipated disruptions to Stockton ferry service.
Demolition related work is expected to take approximately six months, pending weather and site conditions.
Queens Wharf has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.
It includes two separate buildings – the western building which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel, along with two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. Only the western building is being demolished.
Revitalisation of the precinct received strong community support, with almost 1,800 comments and suggestions received by City of Newcastle during a recent community engagement process, with 97% endorsing the overall vision for the project.
A decision on what will be built on the site of the soon to be demolished building is set to be decided by the Council in the 2026/27 financial year.
To stay up-to-date with the latest information about Queens Wharf visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.
