THE City of Perth has called for expressions of interest to design a sculpture-style pedestrian bridge linking Point Fraser to Heirisson Island.
Funding has not yet been finalised, but the project has been allocated $5.3 million in the City of Perth’s five-year capital works budget.
An application is also in progress for an additional $5 million in federal government funds.
The bridge is needed to improve pedestrian access to the island, which can currently only be accessed on foot via a narrow footpath along the Causeway.
The bridge will also be the entry to an island-based international sculpture park, which is part of the Heirisson Island master plan adopted by the City of Perth in 2008.
The footbridge and sculpture park will be complemented by a commercial development at Point Fraser by City Foreshore Investments.
The Point Fraser development, which got the go-ahead from council in May 2008, will comprise a microbrewery restaurant, a kiosk, public amenities and a jetty. Work on the project is likely to start within 12 months.
Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Committee spokesperson Anthony Hasluck said the footbridge was a part of an exciting future for the island.
“We hope the footbridge will be a work of art in its own right and will act as a gateway that sets the scene for a visit to a sculpture park on the Island,” he said.
“Footbridges are important features of many great cities, such as London and Paris, so we believe Perth has a great opportunity to create its own iconic structure across the Swan River that can be integrated with a sculpture park to form a unique arts venue that will attract worldwide attention.
“We hope there will be a range of international and national teams interested in the opportunity to design a footbridge that can be both a work of art and a symbol for our city.”
Mr Hasluck added the state government had also shown interest in the sculpture park concept, because of its potential to create a unique tourism drawcard.