Newcastle (NSW) City Council has voted to demolish Queen's Wharf Tower next year, ending 30 years of "lewd jokes" over the landmark's unfortunate shape.
The circular observation tower will remain open for six months to allow residents a final chance to climb its 180 steps and enjoy the view.
But in the middle of next year it will be dismantled, much to the relief of the council's interim chief executive officer, Jeremy Bath.
"There really is no other way to describe the Queen's Wharf Tower other than as an embarrassment to the city," Mr Bath said.
"The tower is often the subject of lewd jokes and negative reports from visitors, and it's certainly not a positive reflection on Newcastle as a modern city and a host city for major events."
The tower has been prominent on the city's skyline since Queen Elizabeth II opened the cluster of buildings named in her honour during Australia's bicentenary celebrations in 1988.
But a maintenance bill of $1.6 million over the next four years and its lack of wheelchair access, not to mention its shape, have contributed to its demise.
Mr Bath said the tower was often the target of vandalism and anti-social behaviour and was the council's "most complained about" asset.
The council has released renderings of Queen's Wharf without the tower and plans to seek feedback on how the space should be used.
Some ppl just have dirty minds lol.
