We’re unlocking the future potential of Queens Wharf by reimagining the waterfront, reconnecting people with the iconic Newcastle location, and linking the harbour to the city.

The Queens Wharf precinct includes two separate buildings, a public promenade (shared pathway) and ferry wharf (operated by Keolis Downer for Transport for NSW). It was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 with an estimated life of 25 years.

Nearly four decades later, the western building (Queens Wharf West) has been largely vacant since a fire in May 2020 rendered much of it unusable and no longer fit for purpose, with areas of non-compliance with current building codes and standards. Following site investigations, we sought development approval to demolish Queens Wharf West, a vital first step toward revitalising the precinct.

The demolition of the western building provides an opportunity to take full advantage of the unique location to reinvigorate the harbour foreshore as a destination of choice for Newcastle and the Hunter region more broadly.

This stage of the project focuses solely on Queens Wharf West. Queens Wharf Hotel will continue trading under its current lease until 2033.

The Queens Wharf precinct has become an integral part of Newcastle Harbour’s footprint, and this revitalisation will support the area being reactivated to create more cherished memories for countless Novocastrians.

We recently asked for input from stakeholders and the community to help shape the future of Queens Wharf. Visit the Have Your Say webpage and read the Engagement Report to find out what we heard.

Demolition at Queens Wharf West begins soon, marking the next stage in transforming the area into a renewed waterfront destination.

Preparation work is already underway to support demolition. This includes isolating and relocating key utility services. Work is taking place both inside the building and beneath the wharf, using a floating pontoon and small boat, with safety and environmental controls in place. Activities are timed to daily tides.

The fire-damaged western building will then be demolished, with work starting in July 2026. The demolition is expected to take up to six months, depending on weather and site conditions.

At the same time, planning is progressing for the future of Queens Wharf West. As a complex waterfront urban renewal initiative, the project has many moving parts. While we proceed with demolition, we are also progressing with the future long-term use process.

Queens Wharf ferry office relocation

The ferry service is an important link between Stockton and the city, servicing residents, workers and visitors.

To create space for the future transformation of Queens Wharf and to support reliable ferry operations, the ferry office currently located in the Queens Wharf West building will be permanently relocated to a new site in Stockton.

Construction of a new purpose built ferry staff facility at Griffith Park, Stockton, has commenced. The existing terminals and ferry services will remain fully operational throughout the works.

The new facility scheduled for completion in mid-2026, will include a new office and amenities building for Keolis Downer staff to effectively offer safe and reliable ferry services.

The revitalisation of Queens Wharf will continue the transformation of Newcastle's historic East End into a thriving and dynamic destination for the region.