Plans to replace stairs with cable bridges along Hallett Cove boardwalk adopted but new designs requested

A cable bridge set to replace stairs on a popular coastal walk has been dubbed an “eyesore” with council requesting new designs to complement the landscape.

Cable bridges will replace gruelling stairs on a popular coastal walk in Adelaide’s south but before its likely July opening, the local council wants to see a more “pleasing” design.

Marion Council unanimously moved to build two suspension cable bridges to connect gullies in lieu of reconstructing the boardwalk structure at Hallett Cove, at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Before construction begins Councillor Bruce Hull requested the final design becomes more “pleasing to the eye”.

“The bridges have support, but even if it costs a bit more, make these bridges aesthetic with the landscape,” Mr Hull said.

The City of Marion has released designs for the replacement sections of our much-loved Hallett Cove boardwalk. This includes a cable bridge across Kurnabinna Gully (pictured), replacing the steps which go up and down the gully. Picture: City of Marion

“It’s quite a special piece of landscape down there, with the natural vegetation if we can make these bridges more pleasing to the eye and not as confronting as those residents saw, that would hold the council in good stead.”

The yet-to-be named 50m suspended cable bridge will stand 25m above Kurnabinna Gully at Hallett Cove and form part of Marion Council’s Coastal Walkway, replacing the boardwalk stairs.

The concept were met by a mixed reception by local residents who described the initial designs as “hideous” and an “eyesore”.

“The drawcard to this boardwalk is the stairs,” Megs White submitted.

“The view is amazing but the boardwalk is all about those stairs, the bridge is hideous.”

“It’s an eyesore, totally ruins the coastal line,” Krystal Botchen submitted.

The $4.8m project will be equally funded by the council and the state government under plan for a 71km coastal walk stretching from Sellicks Beach to North Haven.

If finalised plans are completely agreed upon at the council’s December meeting the bridge is estimated to open by July 2022.