Demolition Countdown: Queens Wharf Building Plagued by Escalating Vandalism and Brawls
Vandalism, brawls, and dangerous behaviour have intensified at the derelict western Queens Wharf building in Newcastle during the summer months, according to a nearby hotel licensee who says the situation has spiralled out of control. With demolition scheduled to begin in the coming months, residents and business owners are counting down the days until the eyesore is removed from the waterfront precinct.
Summer Surge in Anti-Social Incidents
Queens Wharf Hotel licensee Steve Smyth reported that the problematic behaviour has escalated dramatically over the past six weeks, coinciding with the arrival of hot weather. "It's gotten out of hand," Smyth stated on Friday. "It's horrible and this is a problem that has escalated in the past month and a half or so ... as soon as the hot weather started, it's gradually been getting worse and worse."
The site currently presents a disturbing scene with smashed glass littering the walkway, broken windows, and graffiti-covered walls. While groups of young people often use the location to jump into the harbour to cool off, Smyth noted that gatherings sometimes swell to include "gangs" of up to 60 youths, with some using the ferry terminal awning as a diving platform.
Violence and Safety Concerns Mount
The situation has turned violent on multiple occasions, requiring police intervention. Smyth revealed that officers were called on Thursday after two girls were seen engaged in a physical fight at the location. His staff have reportedly been threatened, and he personally had to transport a boy to Nobbys lifeguards for treatment of oyster cuts sustained at the site.
"There's a lot of good ones too ... it's only when they get a bad crew that turn up that spoils it for everyone," Smyth explained. "They start big-noting themselves, someone says the wrong thing, and then it escalates. Someone is going to get hurt."
In a particularly concerning incident, another young person was hospitalised after slipping from the awning structure. Fire hoses have also been ripped out and misused, adding to the catalogue of dangerous behaviours occurring at the deteriorating building.
Tourism Impact and Community Response
While Smyth noted that the anti-social behaviour hasn't directly affected his business, he expressed concern about the impression it creates for visitors to Newcastle. "You'll get cruise ships come in here and the first thing they see is that. And tourists, they want to do the foreshore obviously, and they hate that," he said.
The City of Newcastle confirmed on Friday that the western building is earmarked for demolition "in the coming months" as part of the council's revitalisation plans for the Queens Wharf precinct. A council spokesperson addressed recent reports of a leaking firehose near the ferry wharf, stating that an inspection found no evidence of issues at the vacant building or its immediate vicinity.
"Unauthorised access to the Queens Wharf building is prohibited. Security patrols monitor City of Newcastle facilities," the spokesperson affirmed. Both the council and NSW Police are encouraging witnesses to anti-social or illegal behaviour to contact authorities directly.
Longstanding Issues Reach Breaking Point
Complaints about the dilapidated state of the western Queens Wharf building have persisted for some time, with previous reports highlighting issues including squatters and pest infestations within the structure. The Newcastle Herald reported in December that demolition was likely to commence as early as February following approval of knockdown plans, with the process expected to take several months to complete.
The former Harbourview Function Centre has stood vacant and disused since 2021 after being ravaged by fire, creating what many now describe as a magnet for problematic behaviour. As the community awaits the building's removal, residents and business owners continue to monitor the escalating situation with growing concern for public safety and the area's reputation.
