Mining giant BHP has applied to demolish Port Hedland’s Pier Hotel and is weighing up how to pay homage to the notorious watering hole.
Mining giant BHP has applied to demolish Port Hedland’s Pier Hotel and is weighing up how best to pay homage to the notorious watering hole.
The move comes after BHP bought the pub for $5.5 million in mid-2024, more than $3m below what the venue was first put on the market for in 2019.
The Pier had been closed by its former owners since July last year, prior to BHP acquiring the property.
In a development application submitted to the state government, BHP said it had purchased the site because of its strategic location adjacent to the port.
“BHP acknowledges the special place the Pier Hotel has filled in the cultural landscape of Port Hedland and has been conducting a comprehensive ongoing review of the subject site to delve into its history, evolution and significance to the Town,” the application said.
“To-date, this process has involved a thorough examination of the subject site’s values, key themes and stories, and early consideration of interpretive opportunities, to ensure that any future redevelopment approach is informed by a detailed understanding of its history and relationship with the local community.
“BHP will be considering all options on how best to pay homage to the subject site and commemorate the significance of the original Pier Hotel when the long-term use of the subject site is determined.”
Should the application be approved in a timely manner, demolition is expected to begin in April and take about six months.
The pub’s buildings are not on the state heritage register but are on the local government’s list due to The Pier’s social value for the Port Hedland community.
BHP argued in its submission that demolishing The Pier would have no negative impact on the heritage amenity of Port Hedland’s West End.
A petition has already begun circulating online to oppose the demolition plan.
The Pier is best known as the holder of the dubious record for the most stabbings in one night, a mark which appears to be more urban legend than fact.
In 2011, the pub was named one of the most violent night spots in the state by WA Police.
Since COVID, the pub became a hive of anti-vaxxer misinformation, with its former owner even shutting the pub due to the vaccine mandate.
The Pier sits within the Hedland Maritime Precinct.
Most homeowners in the area have been voluntarily bought out of their homes due to excessive dust levels coming from the vast iron ore stockpiles at the port, most of which are BHP’s.
The company installed a large fence last year to reduce dust pollution.
BHP also owns the neighbouring Esplanade Hotel, which is heritage-listed and has remained partly-open.
