Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Alan Pendleton and MP for Riverstone Kevin Connolly today officially opened Riverbank Drive bridge, which is the second major bridge to be built across Second Ponds Creek at The Ponds.
Riverbank Drive bridge plays an integral role in connecting the eastern side of The Ponds with the west along Riverbank Drive and continuing onto Ridgeline Drive.
Nigel Edgar, General Manager, Residential NSW from Australand said, “Riverbank Drive bridge is the second of three major bridges to be built in the masterplanned community. This bridge will assist residents in the Kalina area access one of the most important areas to be built in the near future in this suburb – the community resource hub situated on Riverbank Drive. All bridges have been strategically positioned in the middle of the 80 hectare nature corridor to act as linkages to bring the community together.”
“This is yet another example of the effective partnerships that exist between Blacktown City Council and developers such as Landcom and Australand, in ensuring essential infrastructure is delivered to new and existing areas throughout Blacktown City for the benefit of residents,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Alan Pendleton.
Clouston Associates, an award winning landscape architectural practice provided the urban design for the bridge. Bridge features include a series of four rock filled gabion walls and elevated mesh structures which adjoin the walkways. Two artworks titled Flood Grasses by artist Jane Cavanough will also be positioned at the entry points to the bridge early next year. They will feature glass light boxes with etched reed patterns, inspired by the environment of Second Ponds Creek, a major focus of The Ponds Public Art Plan.
Justine Kinch, Associate Director for Clouston Associates adds, “The bridge exudes an open character and acts as a visual cue that is influenced by the patterns of water movement along Second Ponds Creek. Natural stone, endemic vegetation and reed patterns on the artwork are further complimented by mesh panels which allow viewers to still see the vegetation through it whilst moving across the bridge. Dense endemic plants are nestled right beside the structure to accentuate the feeling of crossing a creek line.”
BDM Construction built the bridge, Arup Engineers was responsible for the civil and structural design and Craig and Rhodes were the project managers.
Work has just started on the third bridge on Greenview Parade, with completion expected in mid 2012.
The Ponds is a 320 hectare master-planned community which is being developed by Landcom and Australand. It will comprise over 3,000 homes when complete.
For further information visit the Sales and Display Centre located at Riverbank Drive, The Ponds which is open daily from 10am to 5pm or view the website www.theponds.com.au
Media contact: Natasha McGuire, Red Leopard PR, Phone: 02 9328 4248 or 04000 90553.
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