University of Newcastle appoints contractor for Hunter Building demolition
The University of Newcastle has announced McMahon Services as the principal contractor for the demolition of the Hunter Building at Callaghan Campus, marking a major milestone in the dismantling of the building.
The Hunter Building has been planned for demolition since 2020 when a feasibility study determined due to its age, condition, and contamination, it was deemed end-of-life.
The appointment of McMahon Services means the project will now enter the next phase, with site establishment and internal strip out expected to begin in early 2027.
The whole demolition process is expected to take around 18 months.
Neighbouring end-of-life buildings, the Bowman Building, Wonnayba Child Care, and the Special Education Building, will also be demolished as part of the works.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO acknowledged the significant history of the Hunter Building.
“I know the Hunter Building holds many memories for our alumni, staff and community, and we will look for opportunities to honour that legacy as we say goodbye to this building,” said Professor Zelinsky.
“While there are no plans yet for the future of the site, the demolition will create space for new opportunities that will help shape the future of our Callaghan Campus.”
University of Newcastle interim Chief Operating Officer Morven Cameron said community safety was the University’s top priority in the demolition process.
“The demolition of these buildings will be a carefully staged process, working closely with SafeWork NSW and adhering to the highest safety standards and practices,” said Ms Cameron.
“The first phase will focus solely on the internal strip-out of the building. Students and staff will be unlikely to notice any external changes until later in 2027, when we will start to see the external structure dismantled.
Built in 1974 as the home of the Newcastle Teachers’ College, the Hunter Building has supported the education of thousands of students across disciplines including teaching, visual and performing arts, humanities, administration and nursing.
It was also home to the Griffith Duncan Theatre, a space for learning and performance, and named in honour of the Founding Principal of the Newcastle Teachers’ College. In 2025, the University renamed the School of Education Building to The Griffith Duncan Building to continue his legacy.
Related news
- From mining safety startup to $150M exit
- Advancing Human-Agent Collaboration Through Agentic AI
- Open Research Newcastle Launch: Free Access to University of Newcastle Research
- Long-spined sea urchin surprisingly not on the menu for large fish
- Twenty years of ResTech: Celebrating collaboration between Ampcontrol and University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.