Work has begun beneath Queens Wharf as preparations get underway to demolish the western building. Building inspections will start on Friday before the work moves under the wharf next week, pending favourable swell and wind conditions.
Workers will use a small boat to carry out investigations underneath the structure before a floating pontoon is installed to enable the isolation and relocation of utilities connected to the site. This utilities work is expected to take about two months and will occur both under the wharf and inside the building.
City of Newcastle's acting director of corporate services Kathleen Hyland said the upcoming demolition was 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,' 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.'
Site establishment for the demolition will begin after the services work is completed. Access to the ferry and public promenade will be maintained during this period. Once demolition is complete, short-term activations will be implemented to encourage the community and tourists to continue to enjoy the harbourfront site.
Queens Wharf was constructed as a Bicentennial project, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. The western building has been vacant since a fire in May 2020. Revitalisation of the precinct received strong community support, with almost 1800 comments and suggestions received during a recent engagement process, and the overall vision endorsed by 97 per cent of respondents.
