Started in the 1890s by James Paul Whelan, Whelan the Wrecker was an infamous company that was involved in the demolition of many of Melbourne’s most significant heritage sites. By far the largest demolition company in Victoria, Whelan was involved in demolishing such buildings as the CML building, the Old Melbourne Hospital and the Federal Coffee Palace. Their notorious business sign ‘Whelan the Wrecker is Here’ was often seen around Melbourne, and became associated with not only demolition, but urban renewal. The company folded, but now continues in this factory in Port Melbourne. This image shows the Whelan sign clearly on the old Clarendon House in East Melbourne, demolished in the 1960s.
by andrewm on June 22, 2017Please login to comment on this item