Contractors from Canberra went into action on Monday demolishing the structure at 14 Ballingalla Street with its stripped bare walls and broken windows.

Neighbours tired of looking at the shabby building were more than pleased to see the building demolished.

Watching with some sadness was Marty Brooker, 20, who grew up in the house living there with his family for 14 years.

“It’s kind of sad, I have a lot of memories in that house,” Marty said.

His family was asked to move out in 2000 after the then owners planned to renovate the building.

But about three years later, when work finally began it was halted almost as soon as the necessary approvals had allegedly not been gained from council.

Marty said he really enjoyed growing up in the house, watching the whales and being across from the golf course.

The good news is that his family was able to find a new house just one block away and he now has a job as an apprentice greenkeeper at the golf course, hence how he noticed the demolition happening and was able to spend a few moments watching the old structure being demolished.

He almost expected to see his old bike being lifted into the back of the truck as he said it probably still could have been underneath the building.

What the new owners plan to build on the block that overlooks the ocean with stunning views is not known.