Editor’s note: Overlay of bridge and an interview with Mayor Jenny Hill is available for download here. Drone footage of the bridge is available for download here.
Construction works transforming Little Fletcher Bridge into a pedestrian thoroughfare have been completed in time for People’s Day at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium this weekend. Little Fletcher Bridge will link the Stadium Precinct to the rest of the Townsville CBD as part of the new Townsville Waterfront Promenade. Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill said it was an important milestone in the revamping of Townsville’s city centre.
“I’m pleased to say that Little Fletcher Bridge is now open and ready for visitors to head to People’s Day at the Stadium on Saturday,” Cr Hill said. “Converting Little Fletcher Bridge into a pedestrian bridge is an important part of the transformation of the area along the Ross Creek for people visiting the Stadium Precinct.” Cr Hill said the opening of Little Fletcher Bridge, which was formerly closed to the public, was expected to make a positive impact on Townsville’s key activity precincts.
“Not only does Little Fletcher Bridge make the Stadium Precinct more accessible, it also opens up the city’s entertainment area,” she said. “Activating the CBD is a priority for Council. Being able to connect crowds from the Stadium with the Townsville CBD is expected to have a positive impact on visitors numbers in the city centre, which will be great for local businesses.” Townsville City Council has contributed $5.2 million to the $10.2 million project, with the additional $5 million coming in from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program.
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson, Councillor Mark Molachino, said he expected the bridge to become a bustling pedestrian link now that it is officially opened. “Crews worked to remove the rail tracks from the site and reinforcing the structure of the bridge,” Cr Molachino said. “There are now handrails and shade structures along the bridge, making it an accessible site for anyone walking to or from the Stadium Precinct.
“I think this bridge is going to be very popular with the public.” Work continues to progress on the remainder of the Townsville Waterfront Promenade, with the construction of more than 450m of concrete pathways and more than 170m of mangrove boardwalks along Ross Creek, as well as landscaping in the area. Pathways from Little Fletcher Bridge to the stadium will be open for People’s Day and Elton John but will be closed after each event to allow further works to continue. This work will be complete in time for the first NQ Cowboys home game on 13 March. #ends#