What was once an important inner-north community venue and later a site for graffiti and then murals of the likes of Raiders legend Josh Papalii will soon have new life as a residential community.

Demolition has begun on the derelict PCYC building on Watson Street, Turner, with a 36-tonne excavator beginning to tear into the walls.

Built 68 years ago, the former community hub has sat vacant and vandalised for more than a decade, but in its prime, it was a thriving hot spot.

Fundraising efforts from the five founding members helped get the structure built in the 1950s.

Big names passed through in support, including actor George Lazenby, world boxing champion Jimmy Carruthers - who purchased a boxing ring for the club - and Catherine Allison, the Viscountess Dunrossil.

"As demolition st

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