The iconic mural and Sutherland Shire landmark featuring a painted image of Paul Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen following the 2016 Grand Final victory has been carefully demolished to accommodate the Sammut Group's new landmark development, VUE, a mixed-use project comprising two new eight-storey buildings.
The hugely popular street art, entitled Up Up Cronulla and depicting the two Sharks legends, has been located on the corner wall of The Kingsway and Croydon Street.
However, despite the wall literally coming down, all is certainly not lost, with Sammut Group to digitally recreate the image as a part of their new project, while Sharks members and fans will have the opportunity to own a special piece of club history.
The 200-plus bricks that made up the mural have been put aside and this Sunday, November 26, what represents a unique piece of Sharks memorabilia will be sold off brick by brick.
While in a generous gesture, Sammut Group will donate the money raised to an outstanding cause, with proceeds going to Sharks Have Heart to allow the Sharks to build on and continue to deliver significant community programs and support a variety of charities and initiatives.
Sammut Group CEO Allen Sammut grew up in Cronulla, with him and his family proud Sharks supporters.
"I actually went to school with Andrew Ettingshausen and like all Cronulla locals, there's a very special place in my heart for the Sharks," said Allen Sammut. "It's an honour to be able to work with Andrew and Paul to raise money for a really great cause."
People interested in acquiring one or more of the bricks are encouraged to arrive outside the project site from 8.30am on Sunday, with bricks to be made available for purchase for $10 each, with Sammut Group to match, dollar for dollar, any funds raised from their sale.
"Sharks Have Heart plays an important role in the community, supporting community causes and a variety of programs, charities and events," Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.
"The monies raised from the sale of bricks from what has been a local landmark will help us to continue the work we do and to further enhance our community engagement."
The $350M Vue project comprises two eight-storey buildings sharing a double-storey podium. The development will include 112 apartments, 880sqm of commercial space and 3000sqm of retail space.
Sammut Group has ensured the mural will be preserved as an ultra-high-definition digital image, which when the development is completed, will take pride of place in VUE’s high-traffic retail zone. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
