Murray Bridge riverfront to get $34m facelift with swimming pool and play areas

A “river pool”, cafe, play areas and new visitor centre are part of a $34m vision for Murray Bridge’s riverfront. See the pictures.

A “river pool” and new play, entertainment and historic precincts have been unveiled as part of a $34m vision for Murray Bridge’s riverfront.

Murray Bridge councillors are expected to endorse a new Sturt Reserve Master Plan on Monday night.

The plan includes a major upgrade of the historic wharf and tourist precinct, including new docking facilities, a visitor centre and cafe and community parklands paying tribute to the town’s history and indigenous connection.

A swimming pool in the river is also envisioned, linking up with a new play precinct. Early concept designs of a “discovery labyrinth” area show include a climbing wall, play tower with slides and nature play features.

Murray Bridge Council has released the first images of its $34m Sturt Reserve Master Plan. Source: Murray Bridge Council

The plans include an upgrade to the wharf. Source: Murray Bridge Council

New picnic facilities will also be dotted along the river front and parklands, and walking trails are also planned.

Council’s general manager of assets and infrastructure Heather Barclay said the master plan would be delivered in stages and was subject to applications for state and federal government funding.

Works are already underway on a $3m “recreation precinct”, featuring a new kayaking area and upgraded parks, funded in partnership with the federal government.

A “river pool” area is part of the plans. Source: Murray Bridge Council

A climbing wall will form part of the new facilities for children. Source: Murray Bridge Council

lan SA is also considering a development application for works in a “History and Tourism Precinct”, worth $600,000, which would recognise European and Indigenous heritage.

Ms Barclay said the council would need further funding from the state and federal government to turn the project from vision to reality. “The next focus for (the) council is the history and tourism precinct … that will connect East Terrace to the wharf and the newly completed war memorial,” Ms Barclay said.

“The wharf precinct is currently in the design phase and includes the restoration of the heritage wharf … and the intent is for visitors and locals to have really good access to vessels and the river at that location.”

A view of the new-look riverfront. Source: Murray Bridge Council

The plans will revitalise the area. Source: Murray Bridge Council

A multipurpose wharf shelter has already secured $900,000 in federal government funding with an extra $1.5m grant under consideration.

If successful, the council would set aside a further $1.5m. It is yet to allocate funding for the remainder of the work.

Tourism Industry Council chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said the riverfront upgrade would help cement Murray Bridge’s status as a destination.

“What’s fascinating is that the investment into Murray Bridge, from a number of private entities and government, has been unprecedented when compared to the rest of the state,” he said.

“It’s become a real hotspot for investment in tourism and other economic development.”