Overview
In just a couple of years time, Brisbanites will have another way to cross from the CBD to Kangaroo Point, with a new bridge between the two locations set to join the city's growing collection of river crossings. This one will be a green bridge, so it'll be completely car-free. It'll also boast something that even its fellow pedestrian, bus and bicycle-only structures don't have: an overwater bar and restaurant.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has revealed that the Connect Brisbane consortium, led by BESIX Watpac, has been awarded the contract to design and construct the bridge — and that their vision for the structure includes places to stop for a drink and a bite to eat. While this town of ours has more than a few eateries and watering holes either perched over the river or next to it (including plenty adjacent to river crossings), the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will mark a first for the city, because no other bridges have built-in bars and restaurants.
"The final design of the city-shaping project showed not only would the bridge deliver a much-anticipated crossing for pedestrians and active transport users, but it would also offer recreational opportunities unique in Brisbane," said the Lord Mayor. "The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will be more than an active travel bridge; it will become a must-visit destination for residents and visitors to our great city."
Exactly what kind of restaurant and bar will call the structure home hasn't yet been revealed; however, the bridge's overwater area could also include an event space — and has a cafe in its plaza area, and other small food and beverage outlets all earmarked, too. Also part of the design: viewing platforms, so that you can stop and scope out the scenery while you're making the 460-metre walk across the river.
Due to start construction this year, with a 2023 opening date targeted, the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will stretch between the corner of Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD over to Scott Street at Kangaroo Point. Dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths are a big feature, with the bridge spanning a minimum width of 6.8 metres — and the design features a single-mast cable stayed structure, if you're wondering what it'll look like.
The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is one of four that the Brisbane City Council currently has in the works — down from the five that were announced back in 2019. The other bridges still forging ahead include two in West End, linking to both Toowong and St Lucia, and one from Albion to Newstead at Breakfast Creek. A fifth crossing from Bellbowrie to Wacol has been scrapped following community feedback.
And yes, Brisbane is clearly a city of bridges. Our governments can't get enough of them, it seems. In the CBD alone, we already have the Go Between Bridge, which caters for vehicles, cyclists and walkers between West End and Milton; the William Jolly Bridge that links Grey Street with North Quay; the foot traffic-only Kurilpa Bridge that runs from the Gallery of Modern Art over to Tank Street; the Victoria Bridge from QPAC to George Street; and the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge that spans from the southern end of South Bank over to the Queensland University of Technology. And, the Neville Bonner Bridge from the new Queen's Wharf precinct to the Cultural Centre Forecourt is currently under construction as well.
Images: Brisbane City Council.