a day ago
'No more penis jokes': with Queens Wharf Tower gone, we need a grand design
For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh.
Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down.
But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes.
The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf.
This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire.
The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development.
The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years.
We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf.
Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower.
"Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said.
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf".
"A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said.
"It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits.
"Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour."
We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future.
She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings".
Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons".
"They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore."
She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike".
"Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around.
"And a loo with a view for ferry staff."
Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area".
"Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said.
Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice.
After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said.
Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House".
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter".
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian".
"This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'"
University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour".
"We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said.
A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense.
While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped.
How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino.
Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind.
Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour?
Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days".
"Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one.
With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money.
For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh.
Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down.
But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes.
The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf.
This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire.
The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development.
The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years.
We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf.
Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower.
"Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said.
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf".
"A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said.
"It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits.
"Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour."
We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future.
She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings".
Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons".
"They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore."
She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike".
"Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around.
"And a loo with a view for ferry staff."
Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area".
"Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said.
Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice.
After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said.
Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House".
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter".
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian".
"This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'"
University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour".
"We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said.
A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense.
While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped.
How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino.
Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind.
Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour?
Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days".
"Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one.
With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money.
For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh.
Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down.
But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes.
The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf.
This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire.
The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development.
The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years.
We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf.
Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower.
"Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said.
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf".
"A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said.
"It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits.
"Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour."
We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future.
She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings".
Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons".
"They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore."
She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike".
"Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around.
"And a loo with a view for ferry staff."
Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area".
"Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said.
Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice.
After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said.
Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House".
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter".
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian".
"This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'"
University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour".
"We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said.
A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense.
While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped.
How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino.
Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind.
Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour?
Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days".
"Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one.
With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money.
For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh.
Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down.
But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes.
The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf.
This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire.
The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development.
The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years.
We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf.
Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower.
"Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said.
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf".
"A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said.
"It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits.
"Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour."
We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future.
She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings".
Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons".
"They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore."
She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike".
"Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around.
"And a loo with a view for ferry staff."
Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area".
"Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said.
Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice.
After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said.
Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House".
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter".
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian".
"This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'"
University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour".
"We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said.
A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense.
While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped.
How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino.
Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind.
Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour?
Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days".
"Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one.
With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money.
