Besix Watpac consortium wins Australian green bridge contract

Construction of the pedestrian bridge is due to start later this year. © Brisbane City Council 2016

A consortium led by Besix Watpac is to build the new AUD$140 million (US$105 million) Kangaroo Point Green Bridge in Brisbane, Australia.

The ‘Connect Brisbane’ team – made up of Rizzani de Eccher, WSP, Blight Rayner, Dissing and Weitling, Aspect Studios, RWDI, F-POV, Right Angle Studios and Rowland – was awarded the design and build contract for the cable-stayed pedestrian bridge by Brisbane City Council (BCC).

The new 460-metre long structure will span the Brisbane River and connect the city centre with the Kangaroo Point peninsulas.

Construction of bridge, which was described by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner as a “game-changer” for the city, is scheduled to start later this year with a completion date of 2023.

Pierre Sironval, deputy CEO of Besix Group, said, “Besix Group is extremely proud to contribute to such an iconic infrastructure as the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. Together with our partners, whom I thank for the quality of their work over the last few months, we will deliver to the city of Brisbane and its people a first-class infrastructure that is both elegant, impressive and extremely useful for mobility.

The bridge will comprise walkways with solar panel shading, viewing platforms, event spaces, a bar and a restaurant situated over the water.

Artist impression of the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge that will be built in Brisbane, Australia. © Brisbane City Council 2016

Having secured the contract, the Connect Brisbane consortium will now begin the five-month detailed planning and design phase.

Bram Gruwez, Besix Watpac’s project director, said, “We are excited about the local stimulus the project will deliver during the construction phase. We estimate it will generate more than 300 local jobs, 50 new apprenticeships and we target an Indigenous participation rate of 5%.

“We’ll also be maximising involvement by local subcontractors and suppliers with more than 40% to come from the Brisbane Local Government Area and more than 90% from the broader South East Queensland region.”

According to BCC, the new pedestrian bridge is one of several that will be built in the city over the coming years.

The structures are part of the local authorities Green Bridges programme, which aims to lower vehicular congestion, improve safety and create easier walking and cycling routes in the city.

BCC is now “fast-tracking the delivery” of both its Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek Green Bridge projects to stimulate Brisbane’s economy in the wake of the pandemic.