Funding delay for ‘world class’ Alfred Street pedestrian bridge in Parramatta
Construction of a “world class” pedestrian bridge to link Parramatta residents to the CBD is delayed, frustrating developers who have already forked out $3 million for the “vital piece of infrastructure”.
Parramatta
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A Parramatta pedestrian and cyclist bridge touted to be the first of its kind in Australia has hit troubled waters because of a funding delay.
The Alfred Street Bridge, to be the nation’s first diagonal arch bridge, will connect Baludarri Drive and the Parramatta Valley Cycleway to Alfred St at Rosehill where the Tramway Ave stop would operate when the light rail opens in 2023.
The bridge would also provide a shortcut for residents and Western Sydney University Rydalmere students to reach the Parramatta CBD.
The council announced plans for the bridge in 2017, but talks have been delayed despite thousands of residents moving into massive unit complexes flanking the river.
In addition, developers including Toplace’s Jean Nassif have already contributed almost $3 million for it as part of their multistorey unit complexes flanking the river.
Developers Starryland forked out $1.75 million towards the bridge as part of a voluntary planning agreement for its recently completed 773-unit Promenade complex at Morton St, Parramatta.
Starryland sales and marketing director James Swete said the key drawcard of the bridge was to link residents to the light rail.
“It’s pretty important for Promenade because essentially it’s going to link all the residents — all 773 units — over the river to the future railway on Tramway Ave,’’ Mr Swete said.
“Not just our residents, but quite a few do walk to work in Parramatta and we have quite a few residents who are based in Parramatta CBD, so walking is key for quite a few of our residents.
“It has taken slightly longer than anticipated for Parramatta Council to obtain construction funding, however the bridge design is truly world class.”
On the opposite side of the river, Toplace property developer Jean Nassif, who owns the 322-unit Riviera Apartments complex and On Sunset restaurant below it on River Rd West, said the bridge was vital to revitalise the river.
Toplace allocated $1.2 million for the bridge.
“The bridge is supposed to activate the precinct,’’ Mr Nassif said.
“This is city living. All around the world people activate the foreshores.”
However, the bridge is not on the chopping block.
A Parramatta Council spokesman said it was still finalising planning approvals with the State Government and funding for the bridge’s construction.
“Once this is complete, council will commence the tender process for the construction of the bridge,’’ he said.
“The final cost will be determined by a public tender.
“The Alfred Street Bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure that will help improve connectivity for an increasing number of pedestrians and cyclists along Parramatta River.”
Mr Swete said the draft design was undergoing wind testing and, subject to funding construction, would start construction this year.