After being damaged by a fire in May 2020, the western building on Queens Wharf has sat empty, with council now looking to demolish it.
City of Newcastle (CN) will step towards a new future for the site, with investigations currently underway into the potential redevelopment of the vacant premises.
The building is set to be demolished in early 2025, with CN soon to take expressions of interest (EOI) for another use of the popular harbourside location.
Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, the two separate buildings are prime real estate, located close on a public promenade with the Transport for NSW-owned ferry wharf.
It was constructed as a Bicentennial project with an estimated life of two-and-a-half decades.
Now, 36 years later, the western building has been rendered unusable since 2020, containing areas of non-compliance with current building codes and standards.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said it was about time action was taken for the future of the site.
“Queens Wharf has been a popular harbourside destination for decades, with its function centre in particular creating cherished memories for countless Novocastrians,” he stated.
“Since the fire, the site has presented a number of challenges, which councillors have now been briefed on.
“But, the time has come for CN to meet the expectations of the community and take action on this significant harbourside site.
“I look forward to seeing the construction of new buildings that would aim to be architecturally sensitive to enhance the waterfront in this special location.”
According to CN CEO Jeremy Bath, the locale has proved to be challenging, as it is built on a concrete shore platform supported by steel piling and a sea wall.
“Councillors were taken on a tour of the location last week, receiving an insight into the complex nature of the sub-structure construction, which has required a lengthy due diligence assessment to ensure the long-term future of the site,” he said.
“Most people would be unaware that not only is the entire Queens Wharf site built on piers above the harbour, but so is the majority of the adjacent road.
“As a result, we have had to confirm the structural integrity of the steel platform and sea wall.
“Fortunately, this work has confirmed that these assets have at least 50 years of life left in them.
“The same cannot be said for the western building.”
CN proposes any new development for the site should occur in two stages and as separate buildings so the view corridor from Stockton across the harbour and up to the Christ Church Cathedral is protected.
“The lease for the Queens Wharf Hotel doesn’t expire until 2033 and so rather than expose ratepayers to a costly payout, that will be allowed to continue trading for another eight years,” Mr Bath said.
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