The transformation of Wollongong's city centre is unfolding before residents' eyes as the historic City Diggers Club makes way for a $230 million development, with the entire demolition process captured in remarkable time-lapse footage.
The five-month transformation
For more than five months, award-winning Illawarra Mercury photographer Adam McLean has documented the systematic dismantling of the City Diggers Club and adjacent David Jones carpark. Shooting from the same corner of Burelli and Church streets with consistent camera settings, McLean created a visual record of the site's dramatic evolution.
The demolition work began in mid-2025 and has progressed with surprising precision, according to McLean. "I'm really impressed by the skill of the guys operating the machinery," he observed. "They've been able to constantly mould the site to suit the work they need to do, moving the dirt and the bricks around, you can see them pulling the metal out for recycling."
Community fascination with the demolition
The site has become an unexpected attraction for Wollongong residents of all ages. McLean noted that spectators were almost always present, from young children fascinated by the heavy machinery to older residents with their own perspectives on the engineering feat.
"Lots of times there's people with young kids watching - today there were two young boys there that were really excited about the diggers doing their thing," McLean said. But the appeal extends beyond childhood fascination with construction equipment.
One elderly European gentleman remarked on the expense of the operation, while another local on a mobility scooter declared he'd purchase all the machines for his backyard if he won a $200 million Powerball jackpot. McLean noted that "everybody has their own theory about how they do it and what needs to be done."
The Globe development taking shape
The demolition clears the way for the massive $230 million Globe development, which will feature three new towers housing a five-star hotel, office building, motel, and a new RSL club facility. The 55-meter hotel will become a prominent feature in Wollongong's CBD skyline.
Building company Buildhigh has managed the complex demolition with minimal disruption to the city. "It's a big site, and they've pulled down an entire carpark and RSL club, without really any disruption to the traffic of Wollongong," McLean acknowledged.
The City Diggers has long served as the home of the Wollongong RSL sub-branch, and the organization will maintain its presence on the site through the new club included in the Globe development.
Residents can expect more time-lapse videos in the coming months as the demolition continues, with the iconic David Jones building scheduled for removal next. The complete transformation represents one of the most significant urban renewal projects in Wollongong's recent history.
