Work crews move in to start the demolition of the Crown St Mall amphitheatre
It's going, going and, very soon, Wollongong's Crown Street Mall amphitheatre will be gone.
Crews were expected to begin removing parts of the stage last night before the $19 million revamp of the tired mall, due to be completed by the end of 2014.
The popular amphitheatre stage, which has played host to performances from local dance groups right through to Australian Idol and X Factor winners, is expected to be completely removed within days.
MORE: Cost of Crown Street Mall revamp soars
The amphitheatre is the second item to be removed from the mall, with the giant chessboard and accompanying seating area in lower Church Street demolished over the past two weeks.
A seal of asphalt has been placed on the now-levelled chess area so the site can be temporarily reopened until construction begins next month.
A Wollongong City Council spokesman said contractors would move the site fencing away from the shop fronts in Church Street and use these for the amphitheatre demolition.
"Work to remove the steel arches will follow the removal of the amphitheatre," the spokesman said.
"All removal works will be carried out after hours to minimise disruption to shoppers, retailers and business owners."
Businesses in the mall will remain open during the refurbishment.
