Demolition work begins in the mall on March 18, 2013. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
MP Sharon Bird, Eddy de Gabriele and Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery launch the Crown Street Mall refurbishments today. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Demolition work begins in the mall on March 18, 2013. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
The roof of the mall amphitheatre comes down on March 19, 2013. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Supporters crowd into Crown Street Mall for a St George Illawarra Dragons fan day in 2005. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Youth protesters march against the APEC summit in 2007. Picture: DAVE TEASE
The band Short Stack perform in the mall in 2009. Picture: DAVE TEASE
The Dragons Wendell Sailor met supporters during a fan day at the mall in 2009. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Wayne Gardner receives a warm welcome at Crown Street Mall after arriving back in Wollongong. Date unknown.
Dragons players greet the public during a fan day at the mall in 2009. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Chess players play in the mall in 2010. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
A Michael Jackson impersonator poses in the mall during a tour of Wollongong. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
A circus workshop is held at the mall in 2010. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
Birthday celebrations for Buddha are held in the mall in 2011. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Birthday celebrations for Buddha are held in the mall in 2011. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Occupy Wollongong organisers Melanie Barnes and Lindsay Hawkins at the mall in 2011. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Fans wait for an appearance by band The Collective in 2012. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
Boy band The Collective take the stage in 2012. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
Fans brave the cold to watch the London Olympics in Crown Street Mall in 2012. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR
Johnny Ruffo puts on a show in Crown Street Mall in 2012. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Fans watch Johnny Ruffo at Crown Street Mall in 2012. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Justice Crew in concert in 2012.
Conservatorium of Music jazz students perform in the mall in 2011. Picture: KEN ROBERTSON
Birthday celebrations for Buddha are held in the mall in 2011. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Busker James Twyford performs in Crown Street Mal in 2003. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR
Fourplay perform as part of Viva La Gong in Crown Street Mall in 2003. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
Human Nature take the stage in 2004. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Crown Street Mall at night. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Kids take part in activities during Easter long weekend in 2011. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Former X-Factor winner Reece Mastin performs in Crown Street Mall in 2012. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Reece Mastin fans show their support for the singer during a concert in 2012. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Former jockeys and Melbourne Cup winners Wayne Harris and Greg Hall with the Melbourne Cup in 2012. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
Workers take part in a workers' compensation rally in Crown Street Mall in 2012. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
People brave the cold weather at Crown Street Mall in 2012. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR
Australian Idol winner Stan Walker performs in 2011. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Fans film the Stan Walker performance. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Mayor Gordon Bradbery takes part in a demonstration game with Hawks players Tim Coenraad, Chuck Harmison, Oscar Forman and Tyson Demos. Picture: KEN ROBERTSON
Australia's Got Talent winner Jack Vidgen performs at Crown Street Mall in 2011. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Fans of Jack Vidgen show their love during a show at Crown Street Mall in 2011. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Senators Barnaby Joyce and Concetta Ferravanti-Wells during an anti-carbon tax rally in Crown Street Mall in 2011. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Protesters show their anger towards Senators Barnaby Joyce and Concetta Ferravanti-Wells during an anti-carbon tax rally in 2011. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
A child takes part in a circus workshop at the mall in 2010. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
A carbon tax supporter demonstrates against an anti-carbon tax rally in 2011. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Frank Arkell and Barry Unsworth open the mall in 1986.
A child takes part in a circus workshop at the mall in 2010. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
A circus workshop is held in the mall in 2010. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
Crowds gather for a concert by the band Scandal Us. Picture: KEN ROBERTSON
Killing Heidi perform in Crown Street Mall. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Dancers perform in celebration of the mall's 20th anniversary in 2006. Picture: WAYNE VENABLES
It has been the site of rallies and protests, homecomings and fan days, and countless concerts by illustrious pop stars.
But Wollongong’s Crown Street Mall will soon be sporting a different look after the centre’s $19 million refurbishments were officially launched today.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the facelift will bring Crown Street Mall, which was opened in 1986, into the 21st century without compromising its history.
‘‘This council has moved quickly to fund the refurbishment of the city’s major mall and also to introduce free Wi-Fi,’’ Councillor Bradbery said.
‘‘We have also ensured that the new Crown Street Mall will be a vibrant and active place where there will be plenty of entertainment, markets, as well as the popular retail and business opportunities that the city offers.
‘‘We are moving towards a connected and healthy city.’’
Federal Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird, was on hand today to launch the refurbishments, which actually began with the demolition of the beloved amphitheatre this week.
Following demolition works, the council will begin construction of the new mall, which is due to be completed in 2014.
