Western Australian company Civmec has been awarded 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 – stimulating local economic recovery and supporting local manufacturing.
Almost 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 generous $6.3 million funding commitment from the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
The new bridge will give sick kids 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.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“It’s exciting to see this long-discussed project coming to fruition. It will be great to make Kings Park, Perth’s urban nature hub, easier for kids 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.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“I am pleased Civmec has been awarded the contract to build this new rainbow bridge.
“Civmec was a key contractor who helped deliver the Matagarup Bridge – the skill and expertise in delivering that project will be employed in delivering this bridge.
“The project will support up to 40 jobs and the almost 300 tonnes of steel will be manufactured locally, supporting our local fabrication industry.
“With its bright colours and whimsical design, the bridge will soon become another key landmark across Winthrop Avenue.”
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a very special place for many Western Australians, and I’m really happy that a tender for the Perth Kids’ Bridge is progressing to make our 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.”
As stated by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation Chairman Hon. Ian Campbell:
“We know that being close to nature plays a big part in the healing process and until now access to the natural wonders of Kings Park has been very difficult.
“The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation are proud to fund this incredible project, helping children to get well and stay well for generations to come.”
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