The demolition of University of Newcastle's Hunter Building has been delayed yet again, with the university citing the project's complexity as the reason for needing more time to progress the project.
The 22,000 square metre building, which occupies a large chunk of the Callaghan campus, has been slated for demolition for the past five years.
However, the date has been pushed back again.
"The procurement process for the demolition contractor has been extended due to the complexity of the project," the university's acting chief operating officer, Morven Cameron, said.
"Ensuring a safe and appropriate demolition is our priority.
"We expect to make a final decision on the contractor in the coming months once the procurement evaluation process is completed. We will continue to keep staff, students and the community updated."
The building was built in the early 1970s as part of the former Newcastle Teachers College.
Like many buildings of the era, it contains significant quantities of asbestos.
In addition, concerns about its structural integrity emerged after the 1989 earthquake.
Clearing the building will pave the way to the next chapter of the campus's evolution.
Vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky outlined plans in 2022 to redevelop the Callaghan campus with a motel, hospital, medical centre and school.
"When you go to Oxford, you say, 'Where's the university?' It's everywhere," Professor Zelinsky said.
"When you come to Callaghan in 10 to 15 years' time, it'll have all the elements of a town inside it because it's 140 hectares.
"The university will be interspersed with buildings - laboratories, teaching spaces, shops, retail; it's a town and students also live here."
The Hunter Building is one of several university buildings that have reached the end of their life in recent years.
The university is advancing several other major building and development projects.
Development approval has been given for an eight-storey student accommodation building at the Callaghan campus. It will deliver 450 beds.
Meanwhile, construction is progressing on the $87 million, 445-bed student accommodation building on the corner of Worth Place and Civic Lane in Newcastle.
The building is slated to open in late 2027.
The university also opened its Gosford Central building in late 2025, expanding its presence in the Central Coast.
