Dunedin council opts for 'piece of art' bridge to link city to waterfront

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Dunedin's council has voted to pursue a $20 million 'piece of art' bridge.

That bridge was a key piece of infrastructure to open up the city's waterfront area to cyclists and pedestrians, and redevelop the Steamer Basin area.

The Dunedin City Council voted unanimously to pursue the bridge as their preferred option. I would be discussed with the community next year as part of the council's 10-year plan.

Cr David Benson-Pope earlier noted the bridge designed by Dunedin-based architect Damien van Brandenburg came at no cost to the city.

'I think this is a wonderful opportunity.'

Estimated to cost $20m, the council would make an approach to the New Zealand Transport Agency for some funding.

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This bridge is a 'piece of art', Cr Chris Staynes said.

The council needed to follow the process and pursue the vision which had united the city.

'If we are going to do this lets do it with a passion.'

Cr Aaron Hawkins noted the enthusiasm by Ngāi Tahu, Port Otago and the University of Otago and it will not be a 'bridge to nowhere'.

He cautioned that, once committed, it would be a hard project for the council to back out of.

Cr Lee Vandervis said the council should 'embrace the whole vision'.

He believed the 'mana' of van Brandenburg would attract overseas interest and investment.

The van Brandenburg-designed waterfront included a shell-shaped hotel and conference centre reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House, a marine education centre shaped like a whale's tail, a redesigned Steamer Basin and new trees.

The plan is part of a 25-year vision for the southern city.