newy.com.au – Work has started beneath Queens Wharf as City of Newcastle prepares for the safe demolition of the fire-damaged western building, the first step in a broader transformation of the harbourfront precinct.
Building inspections are scheduled to begin today before crews move under the wharf later next week, subject to favourable swell and wind conditions. Workers will use a small boat to inspect the structure from below before a floating pontoon is installed to allow utilities connected to the site to be isolated and relocated.
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said the demolition was a critical first stage in unlocking the future 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,” Ms Hyland said.
“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.”
The services relocation work is expected to take about two months and will be carried out both under the wharf and inside the building. Site establishment for the demolition will begin once that work is complete.
Access to the ferry and public promenade will be maintained during the preparatory period. After the demolition is finished, City of Newcastle plans to introduce a range of short-term activations to encourage residents and visitors to keep using the harbourfront site.
Queens Wharf has been a popular waterfront destination since it was built as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. The precinct includes two separate buildings, the western building, which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel, as well as two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW-owned ferry wharf.
City of Newcastle says community support for revitalising the precinct has been strong, with almost 1800 comments and suggestions received during recent engagement and 97 per cent of respondents endorsing the overall vision for the project.
