A pedestrian bridge that spans the entrance of the Elizabeth Quay inlet will be a unique addition to Perth’s skyline and a distinctive architectural feature for the waterfront precinct.
Planning Minister John Day unveiled the bridge design, adding that it was an important link between the cafes and bars on the promenades, the island and the new ferry terminal.
Mr Day said in addition to being high enough to allow most moderate sized boats into the inlet, the bridge also maintained the popular ‘around the bridges’ Swan River exercise circuit.
“ The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority consulted with key stakeholders to ensure the bridge will enhance the design of the Elizabeth Quay public realm, while also meeting the needs and requirements of pedestrians, cyclists and the boating community, ” he said.
“ At five metres wide and with a clearance of 5.2m off the water, the bridge will be generous enough for cyclists and pedestrians, sit high enough above the water for most boats to pass underneath and will incorporate feature lighting to add to the ambience of the quay at night. ”
The Minister said West Australians making the trip to the Australia Day Skyworks this weekend would have a bird’s eye view of the works under way at Elizabeth Quay.
“ The $440million project is well advanced with construction of the inlet on track for a spring 2015 completion ,” he said.
“ The restaurants and public spaces at Elizabeth Quay will become prime vantage points for the people of Perth to enjoy the annual Australia Day celebrations. Extensive works have been undertaken since Australia Day last year including improvements to the road network around the site and upgrades to essential services such as power, water and gas.
“ Construction of a continuous wall within the Swan River is complete and excavation of the 2.7ha inlet will soon begin, with water expected to flow for the first time in mid-2015 .
“ Dredging works will commence next week to create a new navigation channel in the Swan River and widen existing channels. This will allow boats to enter the future inlet .”
Mr Day said a 300m section of Riverside Drive would be permanently diverted from Tuesday, January 28 to allow for the construction of the Elizabeth Quay inlet.
“ The redirection of Riverside Drive will enable a move away from higher volume, higher speed roads to lower speed, shared-use city centre roads that are safer for cyclists and pedestrians and generally more comfortable for city workers, residents and tourists ,” he said.
“ Elizabeth Quay is an important part of Perth’s transformation – the project will reconnect the city with the Swan River and create a dynamic and contemporary waterfront destination for all West Australians. ”
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Press Release, January 24, 2014