In 1986, a joint venture between Wollongong City Council and Kern Corporation developed the Crown Gateway shopping centre on the site of the former Coles Building on the southern side of Crown Street, extending through to Burelli Street.

[2] In 1996, GPT purchased Crown Central from the council and redeveloped the food court.

The pink arch entrance to Crown Street Mall was demolished and GPT then developed a pedestrian bridge to join the two centres, and re-branded the combined complex as Wollongong Central.

[8] The expansion was to include an eight screen cinema, food court, supermarket, underground parking and speciality stores.

[14] David Jones moved into the 3 level space vacated by Myer and opened on 4 October 2017.

The upper two levels are primarily accessed from Crown Street Mall and predominantly contain specialty stores, fashion outlets, and cafes.

In October 2021, JY Group (50%) and Haben Property Fund (50%) acquired 100% interest in the shopping centre from GPT for $402 million.

The major retailers include David Jones Target, Coles, Cotton On, H&M, TK Maxx, JB Hi-Fi Home, Rebel, Best & Less, Chemist Warehouse, Anaconda, and Holey Moley.

Wollongong Central has bus connections to Austinmer, Bellambi, Campbelltown, Dapto, Figtree, Keiraville, Port Kembla, Stanwell Park, University of Wollongong and Warrawong, as well as the local surrounding area.