Stunning designs for Toowong to West End green bridge, restaurant tourist proposal

An influential group which promotes Brisbane development has unveiled dramatic designs for a Toowong green bridge which it says could become a tourist drawcard. SEE THE IMAGES

Artist's impressions of how the proposed West End to Toowong bridge would look.

An influential group that promotes Brisbane development has unveiled dramatic designs for the long-planned Toowong to West End green bridge, which would be draped in bougainvillea plants and include overwater eateries and a public events space.

Suburban Futures director Ross Elliott said the popularity of the Kangaroo Point green bridge’s cafe and fine dining restaurant, both opened earlier this year, showed the Toowong crossing needed to be much more than just another bridge.

“We commissioned MODE Design to explore our brief that a bridge can be something more

than just a way to get from one side of the river to another,” Mr Elliott said

“It can be an outstanding place to linger longer – take in views, rest, buy a meal, a coffee,

socialise with friends and more.

“In this way, it not only serves a wider community role, but also creates a lasting income stream for the Council.”

Aerial view of the bridge.

Mr Elliott conceded that council did not have the money to start work on the structure.

Council has asked for state or federal help, but in the meantime secured a landing site at Consolidated Property Group’s $460m Monarch Towers twin tower unit project.

“We know the money just isn’t there at present. But if one day the bridge can be funded we

would like to think we look at these opportunities as more than just a piece of transport

infrastructure,’’ Mr Elliott said.

“They can be something the city is known for and a lasting asset that draws more people to make use of it.”

The cycle path would be separated from the pedestrian path (lower level, right).

MODE design director Ari Pitkanen said their “Bougainvillea Bridge’’ reflected the snaking Brisbane River’s many bends.

“The Bougainvillea Bridge aims to be a genuine landmark rather than just a convenient passageway across the river,” he said.

“It would be a place to view the city skyline, dine, have a cold drink and a place for bands and community events.’’

How one of the bridge landing sites could look.

He said a key feature of its undulating design would be flowering bougainvilleas growing over the structure.

It would have overwater rest areas, cafes and restaurant tenancies, with separated cycle and foot paths on two levels.

The West End landing site would feature an amphitheatre wrapping around a river stage and public plaza.

The proposed bridge would be a stunning feature of Brisbane even at night.

The striking Kangaroo Point green bridge has proved a massive hit with cyclists, joggers, walkers and tourists, while its fine dining restaurant Stilts and cafe Mulga Bill’s have been packed out since opening earlier this year.

But neither eatery is on the bridge itself.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Kangaroo Point structure had been so successful because it was not just a transport connection, but also offered people stunning city views and dining experiences.

“The 280m Toowong-to-West End Bridge is another opportunity to improve connectivity and reduce traffic, while also delivering a must-do destination for residents and visitors,’’ he said.

“Obviously we want to see it happen. But we’ve also made it clear the Toowong-to-West End bridge will require support from other levels of government to proceed.

“The Toowong landing site for this bridge has been secured by the Schrinner Council on the former ABC headquarters site.’’

In December it was revealed Brisbane City Council had scrapped a St Lucia to West End green bridge, one of five such bridges proposed by Adrian Schrinner shortly after he became Lord Mayor.

An unpopular Bellbowrie to Wacol crossing was canned not long after his announcement, but council has since opened a Breakfast Creek green bridge as well as the Kangaroo Point structure.

Council last year also put out its hat for state and federal help to pay for a major upgrade of the 80-year-old Story Bridge and unexpectedly closed both footpaths days before Cyclone Alfred hit. No reopening date has been announced.

Originally published as Stunning designs for Toowong to West End green bridge, restaurant tourist proposal