CONTRACTORS will begin work on removing the Crown Street Mall amphitheatre this week.

The refurbishment work has seen the chessboard and surrounding area prepared for the construction work in the mall which is expected to begin shortly after the demolition works are complete.

Work to remove the steel arches will follow the removal of the amphitheatre. All removal works will be carried out after hours to minimise disruption to shoppers, retailers and business owners.

All retail businesses remain open for business during the refurbishment and there is ample parking throughout the city so you can access your favourites shops.

Manager Public Relations Susan Wardle said there may be increased noise and dust levels during demolition of the amphitheatre.

“There will be increased noise in the mall during the removal of the amphitheatre as there are two large cement slabs that will need to be removed when we take away the amphitheatre.”

Wollongong City Council is refurbishing the Crown Street Mall with the project part funded by Regional Development Australia through a $5 million grant.