The Wollongong Botanic Garden’s much-loved Kawasaki Bridge is ready for a glow-up.
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.
Unfortunately, it is showing signs of its age with the bright red timber deteriorating in the Australian climate.
“The bridge was made from traditional Japanese softwood and this type of timber isn’t able to withstand the high rainfall and humidity that we experience here in Wollongong,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
“A significant portion of the timber on the bridge has rotted and it has become unsafe. We’re really pleased to see the repair process get underway and look forward to seeing it returned to its much-loved location within the garden.”
Work on the bridge has got underway, with a delicate removal operation completed on Wednesday 17 June. It’s expected to take several months for the project to be completed with the bridge anticipated to be reinstated in the garden by early summer.
“I’m sure a lot of people, myself included, are looking forward to seeing it open and able to be walked over once again,” Cr Brown said.
“It’s such a lovely calm spot in the garden where it’s placed near the Rose Garden. And there’s something very special about standing at the top of the bridge and looking down into the water at the bridge’s reflection.”
Wollongong Botanic Garden curator Felicity Skoberne said much of the work on the bridge would be done off-site to minimise disruption.
“We know that the care and maintenance of the bridge is of real importance to our community and those who enjoy visiting the Botanic Garden,” she said.
“During the recent Masterplan consultation, we received several comments of support for the proposed renewal of the bridge because it is a very recognisable feature of the Garden.
“I look forward to seeing it return to the space before summer when the Gardens are very busy with family gatherings, weddings and parties.”
The new bridge will be constructed of durable Australia hardwoods which are suited to the local climate, and painted the same distinctive red. Previous repairs in 2005 had replicated the original material and, despite efforts, haven’t stood up to Australian weather conditions.
The bridge post heads will be retained and re-used with their distinctive ornamental shapes a key feature of the bridge.
“Once it’s back in place, it’ll simply look like the original drum bridge, just a much fresher and more robust version of the original,” Cr Brown said.
“I know for sure influencers and Instagrammers will be in their element creating content in this picturesque location.”
