'World's toughest pub' to make way for family park
Port Hedland's infamous Pier Hotel, long renowned for its claim as the "world's toughest pub," will soon be demolished to create a community green space, mining company BHP has announced.
The once-notorious watering hole, which according to local legend once held the record for the most stabbings in a single night, was purchased by BHP after its long-term owner departed last year.
According to BHP, "The 'toughest pub in the world' will retire into a landscaped green space".
Community reaction has been divided between those lamenting the loss of a historic landmark and others welcoming the transformation.
"Seriously, that is the old heart of Hedland, it should be conserved in some way.
Erasing things like this erases the history of the rough-as-guts, tough-to-bone people who built the town and the iron ore industry," read one community comment.
Others recalled the establishment's dangerous reputation. A former employee shared:
"The bars and beer garden were a nightmare to work. Fights, glassings, pool cues broken and used as weapons, Wiltshire razor blades thrown at staff hoping to cut someone's face. We, the employees would finish work then pop over to the Esplanade Hotel for solace."
Another resident suggested: "Wanna go down memory lane, you should have all the people that got banned from the Pier have their photos on the footpath."
Not all feedback was nostalgic, with one Facebook user posting: "A water park for the little ones would be great."
A BHP spokesperson stated the company was "pleased to honour the legacy of the Pier Hotel while transforming it into a family-friendly green space for everyone in the community to enjoy."
Demolition is scheduled to begin this month, with the park expected to open next year.
According to pre-purchase assessments, all ten buildings on the property are beyond viable repair due to structural issues and hazardous material contamination. These structures also fail to comply with current building regulations, making preservation impractical. With none of the original 1890s Pier Hotel buildings remaining on site, BHP obtained approval to demolish the existing structures and repurpose the land.
Jonathan Jackson, 29th April 2025
