Kopua Footbridge Design

 

 

The Waikato District Council has released a design for the replacement Kopua Footbridge.  The design shows the height over the central span increased at the highest pier from the current bridge’s 3.31 metres to 5.18. In the jumping zone, where children jump from the bridge, the height has been increased from 1.42 metres to 4.46 metres. The design was prepared by Aurecon for the Waikato District Council. (NOTE added 4/1/10.  WDC Councillor Baddeley and Raglan Comm Board Chair Storey have advised that the preceding height information is incorrect.  See WDC press release below.  This release made on 24.12.09 announces that the design for the bridge has been approved and that the underside of the new bridge will be 800mm higher than the present one.  The plan provided by Council to the Footbridge Exhibition at the Show Off Gallery, is now described as a concept plan by Raglan Comm Board Chair Storey.   It is this plan that is shown below and which has the height values stated above.  The plan shows the bridge landing on the Raglan side at a similar level to the current footpath.  Councillor Baddeley advises that the WDC press release is the only official statement on the proposed bridge. )

Waikato District Council accepted a $347,000 tender from Aurecon for the design of a replacement Kopua footbridge in Raglan. Aurecon (formerly Connell Wagner) won the contract from five tenders, with its price about 19 per cent of the expected total cost of the bridge. Within its price, Aurecon is budgeting about $60,000 for the cost of consents and a further $22,000 for certification.  Recent research by the Raglan Museum has discovered that the eastern access at 1 Wi Neera St for the planned high level bridge was the site of Raglan’s Government Reserve.  A house on the site was built about 1880. As the house is pre 1900 any activity on the site will need approval from the NZ Historic Places Trust. They have advised the Raglan Museum Society that they will advocate that the house is not moved.  There is also a Waitangi Treaty claim on the bridge site.  Wi Neera had a house adjacent to the bridge site and it appears that the land in the area was promised to him.

 

 

 

 

 

Raglan residents opposed to the new design are seeking wider support in conjunction with an art exhibition at Show Off Gallery in Bow St, Raglan.  The exhibition features paintings and photographs celebrating the spirit of the existing bridge.

 

Press Release:  Waikato District Council 23 December 2009

Kopua Bridge Design decision made

The preferred option for the Kopua footbridge in Raglan was decided yesterday.

Waikato District Councillor, Clint Baddeley said the design reflected the wishes of the people of Raglan.

“We had an overwhelming response from people who wanted the replacement bridge to remain in keeping with Raglan’s natural landscape. What we have arrived at, we believe, does just that,” he said.

Cr Baddeley worked with members of the community board, the Mayor and fellow Councillor Tait to come up with the preferred option.

The replacement bridge will follow the profile of the current one and will be placed about 10m north of the existing bridge to allow the bridge to remain open during construction. The bridge will be 800mm higher on the underside than the current bridge.

The project is expected to cost $2.8m with $200,000 allocated to the removal of the existing bridge. Detailed design work could now begin.

“We have worked with local people to look at ways in which the history and heritage of the area can be reflected in the design and this work is ongoing.

I am also keen to work closely with the community to look at ways to develop the area near where the bridge lands including Wi Nerra Street to the walkway and the reserve behind the police station.

Each piece adds to the richness of our town and recognises what it is we value in living here,” he said.

 

In regard to Michael’s comment about the original footbridge being much higher, below is a photo of it from my personal collection.