Celebrate the completion of the Riverbank Bridge
Finishing touches are being made to Adelaide’s newest landmark, the Riverbank Bridge, ahead of the light and water features being turned on for the first time this Saturday.
To coincide with the final completion of the footbridge Planning Minister John Rau and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan are inviting the public to attend free festivities that will be held on Saturday.
“Before the Adelaide Crows take on the North Melbourne Kangaroos this Saturday, everyone is invited to celebrate the completion of the Riverbank Bridge Project at the Blue Hive from 3:00pm,” Minister Rau said.
“There will be live entertainment, food, Adelaide’s newest pop-up bar, market stalls and games for children, and those who come along will also get the first glimpse of the completed Riverbank Bridge, as its unique light and water features are switched on at 6:05pm.
“Once switched on South Australians will see a sophisticated LED lighting scheme in action, with lighting effects resulting in a stunning addition to the picture-postcard scenery of the Riverbank Precinct.
“As the focal point of our great park, this bridge has changed the way we access the riverbank and its wonderful attractions, including the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, Convention Centre and the Festival Centre.”
Minister Mullighan said the footbridge had played a large part in the transformation of the precinct.
“This is more than just a crossing – we have created a piece of infrastructure that has transformed the Riverbank Precinct, and opened up the CBD with its proximity to the Adelaide Railway Station, tram stops on North Terrace and re-emerging laneways like Leigh and Peel Streets,” Mr Mullighan said.
“The visual impact of the bridge’s glass cladding, water and light features make this a showpiece for the Torrens Lake.”
Minister Rau said the revitalisation of the Riverbank Precinct, including the magnificent new Adelaide Oval has seen the space become a destination in its own right.
“The community event on Saturday 14 June is a chance for South Australians and our visitors to bask in the Riverbank’s beautiful landscape and enjoy the atmosphere,” Mr Rau said. www.premier.sa.gov.au
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the precinct is part of a greater public entertainment area, providing a venue for community events and activities.
“The opening of the redeveloped Adelaide Oval and AFL matches on evenings and weekends has boosted the number of visitors to the precinct, and the consistently high usage of the bridge demonstrates the value of this new infrastructure for the city,” Mr Mullighan said.
“I am very pleased to say the $40 million Riverbank Bridge has met its budget, and was ready to use for major events such as the December 2013 Ashes test and the inaugural AFL match at Adelaide Oval in March this year.
“My thanks go to all of the contractors, sub-contractors and the team at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure for playing their part in delivering this landmark feature for the people of South Australia.”
Source: News Release Transport & Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan 27 May 2014
http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/14_06June/riverbank.pdf