Work is now underway beneath Queens Wharf as the City of Newcastle (CN) prepares for the careful demolition of the fire-damaged western building, marking the first step in reshaping one of the city’s most recognisable waterfront sites.

Inspections begin this week before crews move under the wharf by boat, pending favourable swell and wind conditions. 

A floating pontoon will then be installed to allow workers to isolate and relocate utilities connected to the site ahead of demolition. 

Council’s acting director of corporate services Kathleen Hyland says the upcoming demolition of the western building is a critical first step in unlocking the future potential of the precinct.

“The transformation of Queens Wharf is a significant undertaking for City of Newcastle, which will deliver a new future for one of our city’s most iconic waterfront precincts,” she stated.

“Some people would be unaware that this site and the majority of the adjacent road is built on piers above the harbour.

“The complex nature of the sub-structure means there is some preparatory work that needs to be completed as part of the safe and carefully managed demolition of the vacant western building.

“While not all progress will be immediately visible, this work is an essential step in transforming Queens Wharf and enabling the long-term revitalisation of the site.”

Opened as a Bicentennial project in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II, Queens Wharf includes two seperate buildings – the western premises which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel along with car parks, a public promenade and the ferry wharf. 

The relocation of services will take about two months and occur both underneath the wharf and inside the vacant building. 

While little of this work will be visible from the promenade, it is a necessary step before demolition can begin. 

The western building has been vacant since it was damaged by fire in May 2020. 

Its removal is considered the first physical move toward unlocking the broader revitalisation of the precinct.

Public access to the promenade and the ferry wharf will remain open throughout the preparation and demolition period, allowing commuters, visitors and locals to continue using the habourfront. 

Once the building is removed, CN plans to introduce short-term activations to keep the site active while longer term plans progress. 

Recent community engagement attracted almost 1,800 comments and suggestions, with 97% of respondents supporting the overall vision for revitalising the area.

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