Following years of delay and issues with funding, the construction of Kangaroo Point green bridge is finally a step closer to reality. A development application for the bridge has been lodged and is now under consideration by the Brisbane City Council.
Subject to approval, a contract for the design and construction of the bridge is expected to be awarded by mid-2021. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2021. Depending on weather conditions, the Kangaroo Point green bridge should be complete by late 2023.
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Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the green bridge in 2019, a few days since he was selected as the new mayor of the city. The new green bridge at Kangaroo Point is one of the five green bridges planned for Brisbane.
The green bridge, aimed to connect Kangaroo Point to CBD, has long been anticipated. It was one of the priority projects of former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, as part of Brisbane City Council’s 2013 Draft City Centre Master Plan. However, the Council did not have the funds to build it at the time.
A draft reference design presented by Council showed it will have an elegant single-mast cable-stayed structure, designed to complement the city skyline and minimise visual impact. Other features include a dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths, sub-tropical design elements including landscaping, a variety of places to pause and take in expansive river and city views, and shade along the length of the pedestrian path.
In August 2020, a consultation with the community, held, revealed 71-percent of locals support the draft reference design. Around 69-percent were in favour of the design of the Kangaroo Point landing whilst 72-percent support the design of the Brisbane CBD landing.
Whilst the majority of residents support the draft reference design, a few locals are concerned that the height of the bridge will restrict access to the existing Gardens Point Boat Harbour moorings. Regarding this matter, Council said the bridge design is being progressed with a navigational clearance height of 12.7 metres, which is no lower than the Captain Cook Bridge.
The Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge is estimated to cost $190 million and is projected to accommodate around 5,300 trips per day.
To get the latest updates about the Kangaroo Point green bridge, visit Brisbane City Council’s website.
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