A demolition date has been set for the Queens Wharf West, after sitting largely abandoned for more than six years.
Beginning in July, demolition works will follow a set of sub-structural preparations, including a floating pontoon to ensure the site’s utilities are isolated and relocated.
The destruction of the inside is set to take place first, with internal materials and equipment removed alongside the building’s balconies and awnings.
From there, two excavators will work in tandem to demolish the main building structure all the way down to it’s ground floor slab.
The building’s only remaining tenants, Keolis Downer ferry staff, will relocate across the harbour to a new Stockton-based site in early July to make way for works to begin.
Since 2020, Queens Wharf West has largely been abandoned, after significant damage was caused to the building during a fire.
Of those excited for the redevelopment is Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, who said the building has been in poor condition for quite some time.
“Look, it’s been a long time coming,” he said.
“It’s very derelict now and it’s covered in graffiti, so scaffolding is going up [because] it is not fit for purpose anymore.”
With no confirmed plan for what is to come on the site, Cr Morris said he’s curious to see what’s to come for the iconic site.
“There’s a lot sitting on the table at the moment, [and] there are so many thoughts,” he said.
“I think we really need to sit down and think about what is going to sit there and be best for the city.
“There’s still a great deal of thought that has to go into it because we need to choose wisely for the city.”
Wharf Road will remain open to vehicles, while the western car park will be fenced off throughout the work’s duration.
Demolition-related work is expected to take around six months to complete, pending weather and site conditions, with detours to be put in place for walkers and cyclists.
With strong community support present for the precinct’s revitalisation, a decision on what will be built on the site will be eagerly-awaited for nearby residents, when council decides in the 2026/27 financial year.
BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK
