Complex Demolition Works Continue to Progress Steadily.
Demolition works at The Globe Development site in Wollongong are continuing to progress steadily, with crews now entering the final stages of structural removal over Globe Lane. The complex demolition project is being undertaken by Beezy Pty Ltd, an unrestricted demolition contractor specialising in large-scale structural demolition projects.
Managing Director Brett Baker explained that demolition has been carried out progressively, level by level, using specialised machinery positioned directly on suspended concrete slabs. Crews have successfully removed multiple levels of the structure by craning 10-tonne excavators onto the rooftop and carefully dismantling the building from the top down.
The demolition process involves removing slabs first, followed by beams and columns, before gradually ramping machinery down to lower levels as the structure is reduced. Smaller 5.5-tonne excavators are also being used throughout the site, with larger machinery expected to be introduced once more space becomes available.
A key focus throughout the project has been safety and environmental management. The demolition excavators have been fitted with custom demolition guards to protect operators from falling debris, while sealed cabins with HEPA filtration systems maintain positive air pressure to minimise dust exposure for workers.
The demolition team is also using specialised pulveriser shears capable of crushing concrete away from reinforced steel. Once exposed, the steel reinforcement, some measuring up to 30 millimetres thick, is cut and processed for removal. Concrete is broken into manageable sections before being transported to designated load-out zones.
To reduce noise and vibration impacts, workers are using gas axe cutting methods rather than more disruptive demolition techniques. This process uses LPG gas and oxygen at extremely high temperatures to safely cut through structural steel.
Material handling across the site has been carefully planned to contain dust and maintain safe operations. Demolition material from the rooftop of David Jones is being dropped into a controlled load-out zone on the western side of Globe Lane, while material from the rooftop car park is directed into the basement below. Water suppression systems remain active within these contained areas to minimise airborne dust.
As demolition progresses, crews continue to uncover varying construction methods within the ageing structure, including conventional concrete slabs, post-tension slabs and structural steel additions from previous building extensions. According to Mr Baker, each stage requires careful assessment to determine the safest and most effective demolition approach.
Engineers have assessed the suspended slabs to ensure they can safely support the demolition machinery. Additional Titan props and spreaders have also been installed as an extra precautionary safety measure.
The project is now moving into the next phase, with demolition activities increasing from north to south across the site. Works on the car park are currently underway, with demolition of the Diggers Club scheduled to commence in the coming months.
