Overview
One of the joys of living in a river city: walking along, near and in view of that river, a pastime that's easy to indulge in plenty of places around Brisbane. It's about to become even easier, with the city building new bridges with the same enthusiasm that Oprah Winfrey used to radiate on her talkshow giveaways. The CBD is getting one, and so is Kangaroo Point — while West End is set to score two, and Breakfast Creek will get one as well.
All of these new bridges will be perfect for Brisbanites to stroll along, because that's exactly what they're being built for. As green bridges, they won't be open to cars. And if you're wondering about the Brekkie Creek structure, and how it will add to the riverside walk along Kingsford Smith Drive, Brisbane City Council has just revealed new details and images.
While the Kangaroo Point bridge will include an overwater restaurant and bar, this northside stretch across the water will be far simpler. Here, it'll be all about moseying and soaking in the view. Set to span 80 metres, it'll feature dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists — at a minimum width of six metres — all while extending the existing Lores Bonney Riverwalk and reaching over to Newstead Park.
"The Lores Bonney Riverwalk is currently used 2300 times a day, and this new green bridge will improve safety and increase capacity to the riverwalk by creating a continues walking and cycling connection," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. He continued: "these green bridges will take cars off our roads and deliver new connections that will make Brisbane an even better place to live."
Appearance-wise, arches feature prominently — and the design will be decked out in hues that match the Moreton Bay Fig trees in the area. At its landing point at Newstead Park, it'll be designed to integrate easily with the park's heritage look as well. And, the bridge will include LED lighting and rest stops as well, and also help connect the CBD with Olympics Athletes Village that's planned for Northshore Hamilton during the 2032 Olympics.
Yes, the 'o' word is going to get a mention with every new project that pops up for the next 11 years, plus every already-in-the-works project that comes to fruition. Brisbane City Council has also already announced that it's looking at revamping a stretch of the river in South Brisbane for the Olympic Games, too, with the ultimate aim of turning it into a new South Bank-esque seven-hectare parkland precinct afterwards.
The Breakfast Creek green bridge is set to come to fruition well before the games, however, with a 2023 opening date mooted and construction due to start before the end of 2021. That said, the final design does still need to get final approval from Council's independent planning officers.
The Breakfast Creek green bridge is expected to open by 2023. For further details, head to the Brisbane City Council website.
Images: Brisbane City Council.