The Western Australian-built Matagarup Bridge could soon host climbing and zip-line experiences for thrill seekers, with the McGowan Government seeking proposals from the market to provide the tourism offerings.
The State Government, through Main Roads Western Australia and VenuesWest, is calling on tourism operators to put forward their proposals for the stadium precinct to leverage its tourism potential, including a potential roof climb on Optus Stadium.
Similar to the Adelaide Oval roof climb or the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, the opportunities at Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium will provide visitors to Perth a wider range of experiences.
The expression of interest process, to be released on Monday November 19, is another step towards activating the wider precinct following the successful opening of Matagarup Bridge in July and the introduction of train services at Perth Stadium Station on weekends.
The bridge climb would potentially allow locals and visitors to ascend to the highest point of the recently opened Matagarup Bridge, 65 metres above the Swan River, then take a zip-line back to shore. Alternatively, they could scale the roof of the 60,000-capacity Optus Stadium.
Potential applicants are also being asked to provide advice about universal access for the activities.
A Request for Proposals for the project will follow the EOI process, which closes for submissions in January 2019. The procurement process is targeted to finish in mid-2019 with the possibility of an operator starting in late 2019.
Meanwhile, further activation is taking place on the Matagarup Bridge with the introduction of pop-up vendors at pause points, and the unveiling of audio artwork that showcases the historical and cultural beauty of the Swan River area through Whadjuk Noongar storytelling.
The pop-up vendors will be trialled over coming months while the new artwork is now active.
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The adventure-style activities being explored provide exciting possibilities to attract tourists and locals to the area, and are being embraced as a collaborative government venture by Main Roads and VenuesWest.
"Our aim is to increase tourism opportunities and create jobs for Western Australians.
"The bridge climb would offer adventurers an ascent of about 300 steps to the viewing platform nestled in the large centre arch some 65 metres above the water, while the zip-line would operate from the lower wishbone platform to a landing point that is still to be determined.
"As the bridge works near completion, features including new audio artwork have been activated, presenting a unique storytelling and music experience at the pause point area located closest to the East Perth side.
"Motion activated, this unique feature filters the audio through speakers from the green canopies overhead.
"A series of moving and distinct music tracks were compiled called 'Thresholds of Belonging', these intertwine with fascinating personal narratives provided by Whadjuk Elders Roma Winmar and Noel Nannup."
As noted by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The locally built Matagarup Bridge has already been embraced by the WA public - the new activities proposed for the bridge provide an innovative opportunity for more people to experience what the bridge has to offer.
"Some of the infrastructure required was incorporated into the bridge's design and construction, when we took control of the steel fabrication for the project. We changed the design of the bridge to remove the cladding, allowing installation of stairs for the bridge climb and hook points for a potential zip-line.
"The intent going forward is to identify a suitable operator and suite of adventure-based activities to add to Perth's tourism offering and create local jobs.
"It's wonderful to see the long work hours and dedication of the workers involved on the bridge coming together as the final touches are applied, like the artwork, the new non-slip surface and seating and planters at the pause points.
"Construction drawing to a close signifies a transition to new and exciting possibilities for this new iconic landmark, which could not have occurred without the dedication of hundreds of workers over the past five years."
