The Kawasaki Bridge has returned to the Wollongong Botanic Gardens for the next stage of works.
Key points:
- The much-loved Kawaski Bridge has been returned to the Wollongong Botanic Garden.
- The site remains off-limits while improvements are being made to the garden and pathways around the bridge.
- The project is on track for reopening in time for summer.
In a significant project milestone, the Kawasaki Bridge has returned to the Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
The popular bridge was craned back into location this morning, Tuesday 8 September, after it was removed in June for a glow-up.
"The bridge's return went smoothly and we're delighted to see it back in place,'' Wollongong Botanic Gardens curator Felicity Skoberne said.
"Now we're focused on the next stage of works for the project which is about fresh plantings and other key repairs around the site.''
The traditional Japanese bridge was presented to the City of Wollongong as a gift from the City of Kawasaki in 1993 to mark the fifth anniversary of our Sister City Relationship.
It was showing signs of its age, and some of the timber had deteriorated in the Australian climate in the 21 years since it was last repaired in 2005. It was taken off-site for essential repairs and to minimise disruption to the Gardens.
The updated bridge has been reconstructed using durable Australian hardwoods, which are suited to the local climate, and it has been painted to replicate its original vivid red.
The bridge post heads were retained with their distinctive ornamental shapes which are key features of the bridge.
"This is an exciting milestone for this project with the refurbishment undertaken by local contractors and suppliers. Looking at it, it looks like the original drum bridge which is a great outcome,'' Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"While people will be able to glimpse the bridge, it will remain behind fencing to allow the team to carry out additional work in the rejuvenation of this popular spot within the 27-ha Gardens. The project is on track, and we anticipate it will reopen in time for summer and those much-loved photos on the top of the bridge.''
