An initiative to connect the Perth Children’s Hospital and Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a step closer to reality, with tenders for the iconic rainbow Kids Bridge now advertised.
The construction only contract will see a three-metre wide, 217-metre long pedestrian bridge built over Winthrop Avenue in Nedlands, connecting the lawn area located between Perth Children’s Hospital and the multi-storey car park on the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) grounds to Kings Park.
The $6.3 million bridge, which has been funded by the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, will be constructed and maintained by Main Roads.
Design work has been completed and construction is set to begin in the first half of 2021.
The bridge will provide opportunities for both inpatients and outpatients and their families to access Kings Park while they are at Perth Children’s Hospital receiving treatment. It will also provide a huge opportunity for a range of therapies, including allied health, to be delivered in an environment which harnesses the health and wellbeing benefits of nature.
The potential benefits of the bridge will also extend to staff across the QEII campus who can easily access the park for fitness, lifestyle and wellbeing activities as well as for access to existing cycle and pedestrian paths for commuting.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“When completed, this bridge will deliver vital benefits for the children and families that need to use these facilities, with clinicians noting outdoor visits have a positive effect for the overall wellbeing of these families.
“Staff and the wider community will also benefit from connections on the structure to existing local path networks in the area, and the ability to use the park for fitness, lifestyle and work break activities.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“It has taken a truly team effort to get this truly iconic project off the ground and I’d like to thank all the key stakeholders for their work and input.
“The unique rainbow colour of the bridge will become a new iconic structure across Winthrop Avenue visible to commuters, patients at QEII and visitors to Kings Park.
“I am pleased Main Roads will be able to play a major role in this new bridge, which will provide joy and new opportunities to children and their families.”
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 Children’s Hospital 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 CEO Carrick Robinson:
“As the funders of this project, we’re very excited to see this next major milestone achieved with the design complete and construction close to commencing.
“After working for a decade to see this project come to life, we’re delighted it has reached this stage – and we’re really proud of our $6.3 million contribution to help the sick children of WA get closer to nature.”
