Why PAC wants to build a bridge over The Parade

ONE of Adelaide’s grandest old schools wants to build its own Pulteney Grammar-style ­pedestrian bridge over The Parade West. Here’s why ...

Prince Alfred College on Dequetteville Tce, Adelaide. Pic - Sam Mooy / Adelaide Bureau **NO BYLINE**

PRINCE Alfred College wants to build a Pulteney Grammar School-style pedestrian bridge over The Parade West as part of a plan to revamp its Kent Town campus.

The school’s uncosted plan also includes a five-­storey boarding house on the north-eastern side of The Parade West.

Under the plan, the school’s four boarding houses would be consolidated into the new building.

The footbridge, connecting the boarding house to the campus, would be reserved for the use of students and staff.

Principal Bradley Fenner said the bridge would ­provide “students and staff a safe and convenient ­passage across The Parade West and between the college grounds”.

He said the proposal was “in its very early stages” and more detailed plans, including costings, designs and time frames, would be developed in the coming months.

Pultney Grammar South Tce pedestrian bridge has become a popular community crossing. Picture: Mark Brake

“We have our boarding houses scattered around four different buildings at the moment, so we want to consolidate them and bring them all together in one building,” Mr Fenner said.

“The footbridge is just the first step in upgrading our boarding facilities.

“Our plans are just in conceptual stages at the moment but, for the new boarding house to be built, a footbridge is a necessity.

“We couldn’t have students going back and forth with the amount of traffic that goes through The Parade West.”

The school currently has 137 boarders.

Mr Fenner said the new boarding house would free up space for more potential upgrades of the campus.

The school was yet to decide on a timeline for the revamp and did not have a desired completion date.

Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council last week gave “in principle” support to the footbridge.

But Mayor Robert Bria said the council wanted the school to “soften” its plans to make the bridge more visually appealing.

“Once the final plans for the footbridge are provided, the council will then consider these before making a decision on whether to ­provide authorisation for the planned structure,” Mr Bria said.

Pembroke School also has plans for a footbridge over The Parade.

As revealed last year, the school has developed an unfunded 50-year plan, including the bridge.