Western Australian company, Civmec, has secured the contract to build the rainbow bridge that will link the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Campus to Kings Park.
Work on the project will commence in January and at its peak, more than 40 people will be employed by the project, including apprentices, trainees and the sub-contractor workforce. Nearly 300 tonnes of steel will form the structure and will be manufactured locally in WA.
Building of the Kids’ Bridge has been made possible thanks to a $6.3 million funding commitment from the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
The three-metre wide, 217-metre long bridge will give sick children and their families easy access to nature in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, providing a sense of joy and relief from the hospital setting.
Designed for in and out-patient visitors, it will allow allied health professionals to deliver therapy in an atmosphere that supports the health and wellbeing benefits of nature.
The final colour scheme will be reflective of the colourful Perth Children’s Hospital logo then transition to more muted tones on the approach to Kings Park.
The Kids’ Bridge colour palette will be complemented by a programmable feature lighting installation that will co-ordinate with other State Government structures like Matagarup Bridge.
With design and construction managed by Main Roads, a collaborative cross-government approach has been taken for the build, supported by a dedicated team of people from PCHF, Main Roads, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, QEII Medical Centre Trust and the City of Perth.
Health Minister Roger Cook said that it will be great to make Kings Park easier for children and families using Perth Children’s Hospital to access, as well as those attending the wider QEII Health Campus.
“The ability to visit this natural sanctuary during the rigors of treatment will give patients respite and a chance to enhance their healing.”
“Staff will also benefit from the new connection over Winthrop Avenue and the existing path network adjacent,” he said.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said Civmec was a key contractor who helped deliver the Matagarup Bridge and the company’s skill and expertise will be employed in delivering this bridge.
“With its bright colours and whimsical design, the bridge will soon become another key landmark across Winthrop Avenue.”
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson added that Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a very special place for many Western Australians, and that he was really happy that a tender for the Perth Kids’ Bridge is progressing to make the park even more accessible.
“Getting into nature is good for the mind and body, and I’m excited that this infrastructure will be widely used as kids and their families cross the rainbow bridge seeking respite in the great outdoors,” he commented.