HOTA Green Bridge to open on Sunday but it is actually blue.

It is not easy being green, especially for an environmentally friendly bridge connecting Chevron Island with the Home of the Arts.

IT is not easy being green, especially for an environmentally friendly bridge connecting Chevron Island with the Home of the Arts.

The long awaited pedestrian and cyclist bridge, which will open to the public with fanfare tomorrow, has in fact been painted bright blue despite its long standing nickname as the “green bridge”.

“The blue deck and balustrade colour draws on our quintessentially Gold Coast lifestyle – blue sky, crystal clear blue water and the Nerang River that flows under the bridge,” a council pamphlet explaining the colour choice said.

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Getting ready for the opening of the HOTA Green Bridge at Evandale are from Paige Faulkner, Andrew Stoner, Mayor Tom Tate, Geoff Smith from Chevron Island Business Association and other Nerang State High School drumline players Brody Winwood and Jaycee Tapara. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Architecturally, the addition of colour elevates the green bridge from being just another piece of infrastructure to something of cultural significance.”

The bridge is still named the HOTA Green Bridge in the pamphlet despite its colour.

To celebrate the opening of the link, the council is holding a community event at both sides of the bridge, kicking off with a farmers market at HOTA from 6am.

Mayor Tom Tate will officially open the bridge at 9am.

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An aerial view the blue HOTA green bridge. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“This bridge will serve as a vital active transport link and make our evolving cultural precinct so much more accessible – easy walking distance from Surfers Paradise and the light rail,” he said.

“People wanting to visit HOTA for a show or the gallery, or go for a swim at Evandale Lake, will be able to walk or cycle from Surfers Paradise or Chevron Island and arrive directly in the precinct.

“It’s a much anticipated bridge that is giving residents and visitors easier access to enjoy the arts and the outdoors.”

Mayor Tom Tate will open the $19.5 million HOTA Green Bridge at 9am on Sunday. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Other activities during the opening will include the Nerang State High Drumline, yoga, Tai chi, facepainting, bike maintenance and rock climbing.

Construction of the bridge began in October 2018. It was expected to be opened by the end of last year.

In February last year Cr Tate declared the bridge would be a “selfie magnet”. He explained why in detail yesterday.

“The landing features a fig tree relocated from within the HOTA parklands, and seating where visitors can appreciate the views across the precinct and the city skyline – this will be a great spot for a selfie,” he said yesterday.

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Surfers Paradise behind the HOTA Green Bridge. Picture Glenn Hampson

The 130m bridge has three piers, 491 tonnes of steal reinforcement and girders, and 1382 cubic metres of concrete.

The deck is 5m wide and the facade includes 26 modules of artwork.

Two hundred and fifty lights will illuminate the bridge’s railings and footpath.

The project provided 340 jobs, with about 50 per cent going to Gold Coasters.

Getting ready for the opening of the Green Bridge at Evandale are Geoff Smith from Chevron Island Business Association and Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Glenn Hampson

The green bridge is the second major project of the HOTA precinct after the outdoor stage was finished in 2018.

The $60.5 million art gallery is due to open early next year.