Jim Gandy and David Hook reveal new designs for Battery Point Walkway
A renowned Tasmanian engineer and an economist put their heads together to dream up a new Battery Point Walkway. They’ve done the grunt work, now they just need the council’s blessing. See their latest design.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The possibility of a walkway and cycleway connecting Battery Point to Sandy Bay is an idea economist David Hook and engineer Jim Gandy are so passionate about, they’ve done the planning and design work themselves.
In 2014, stage one of a Battery Point walkway was approved by the Hobart City Council, but it was later scrapped by the tribunal following community backlash.
In July this year, Mr Gandy and Mr Hook, who are both residents of Battery Point, revealed a new vision they had for the project.
“It’s something Hobart needs,” Mr Gandy said.
“Sandy Ray Road is a death trap for cyclists, a transport corridor is desperately needed.
“And you can imagine Battery Point guided tours that are run now, a waterside walk would make that even better.”
The preliminary work the two had completed went before the council earlier this year and elected members agreed a feasibility study would be conducted.
Since then Mr Gandy, who has previously worked on walkways at Montrose Bay and Sarah Island, along with other notable structures, has come up with conceptual images of what a new walkway would look like.
On Monday, the pair took the concept to the Hobart City Council, to assess whether the design was feasible.
They believed the new drawings would win the support of elected members.
“It’s a completely new design, Mr Hook said.
“It’s all about getting the route right. The 2015 design was an over water route, it went out 25 metres offshore.
“As a result, it had to be a certain type of structure, it had to be concrete and steel, it needed to be big enough transport the construction equipment.”
Mr Hook said there were several complaints about the previous design from residents, which they hoped to remedy in the new design.
“Those were the design’s visual impact, its effect on people’s privacy and its restricted access to the waterway,” he said.
“By changing the route, we’ve been able to address those issues because the structure is more lightweight and low impact, it’s not in people’s visual field
Mr Gandy said the new design was thinner, lightweight and minimalist.
“The choice of building it on the tidal zone means it doesn’t require any concrete foundations,” Mr Gandy said.
“We can use the bit of deck already built to transport materials, and all the route will be exposed when the tide’s out.”
In 2015, the council estimated it would cost $23m to build the design on the table at the time.
Mr Gandy said the price tag for the new walkway was around $5m.
The project was costed by a builder with experience constructing paths and walkways.
“The cost is enormously less on the ground than being out in the water,” Mr Gandy said.
The two said the council would seek funding from the state or federal government for the build.
Mr Hook said the walkway was critical piece of infrastructure, missing from the historic suburb.
“When you walk along the foreshore there are hidden gems many don’t realise are there,” he said.
“The walkway will activate and make accessible these beautiful parks.
“In terms of Hobart’s cycling infrastructure, there’s an existing cycle route from Taroona to Marieville Esplanade. By building [the walkway] you add to the benefits of the existing infrastructure.”
It’s hoped a new walkway would also attract more visitors to the area.
“The view down the estuary, it is just quite frankly, breathtaking. Everyone should be able to enjoy and have access to the waterfront,” Mr Hook said.
“The reason I’m such a supporter is I think it will be one of the most amazing waterfront walkway works.
“I think it’ll be up there, without question, one of the top ten tings people do when they visit Hobart.”
In July, Mr Hook and Mr Gandy set up the group Friends of Battery Point Walkway, which has more than 100 supporters.
More Coverage
Originally published as Jim Gandy and David Hook reveal new designs for Battery Point Walkway
Homes threatened by West Coast bushfires
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service say that parts of the Overland Track have been directly affected by bushfires on the West Coast as those in two locations have been told to leave.
Microchip limbo impacts thousands of Tassie pet owners
A state government approved microchip registration provider has gone MIA — leaving thousands of Tasmanian pets in limbo. Here’s why Ten Lives Cat Centre are concerned.