The pedestrian portals constructed in Parramatta’s Lennox Bridge and completed in 2015 are earning acclaim, with the project taking top prize in a total of four categories at the recent NSW Architecture Awards and Civil Contractors Federation NSW Earth Awards.
The $12 million project was undertaken by the former Parramatta City Council in partnership with the NSW Government and the Federal Government as part of the River Cities Renewal program.
Portals were constructed through the bridge on each bank of the river removing the last barrier to river access in the Parramatta CBD for pedestrians and cyclists. The 177-year-old structure also underwent major restoration works including the replacement of a concrete balustrade with solid sandstone reflecting the original design for the bridge, and the repointing and cleaning of the bridge’s sandstone façade.
City of Parramatta Administrator Amanda Chadwick said the project was important for Parramatta, and the multiple awards were well deserved.
“The Lennox Bridge is a very significant part of Parramatta’s heritage and everyone involved in this project did a wonderful job respecting and showcasing its history,” Ms Chadwick said.
“I congratulate Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure on the awards they have received. Their efforts have helped add another chapter to the fascinating story of the bridge and made it easier for all residents and visitors to Parramatta to enjoy our beautiful river.”
Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects has been recognised for its work on the project, taking top place for Urban Design and also for Heritage Architecture at the 2016 NSW Architecture Awards.
“Winning these two awards is a major achievement and we are particularly pleased that a project in the heart of Parramatta has received this recognition. The work respects the significant fabric of one of Australia’s most historic bridges and opens a window to the early days of European settlement, while looking confidently to the future of Australia’s best urban riverfront,” Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects Director Philip Thalis said.
Construction of the portals was carried out by engineering company, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure which recently won two categories at the 2016 CCF NSW Earth Awards.
“Abergeldie was very proud to be involved in a project of such historical significance to the Parramatta community and to Australian engineering. We are honoured to be recognised by CCF NSW, in winning the prestigious Earth Award for the project and a second Award, the NSW Work Health Safety Project of Distinction,”
Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure CEO Greg Taylor said.
After earning state honours Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure are now eligible for national awards for their work on the Lennox Bridge later this year.
The winners of the National Architecture Awards will be announced in November, while the CCF’s National Earth Awards will be presented in October.
The Lennox Bridge portals project is also under consideration for best Design & Construction of a Local Government/Public Works project at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) 2016 Engineering Excellence Awards. Submissions from across the state will be judged over the coming weeks and the winners will be announced on 27 October.
For City of Parramatta media enquiries please contact Media Advisors:
Terry Aylett
t: 02 9806 5056
m: 0409 712 815
e: taylett@parracity.nsw.gov.au
Alice Coote
t: 02 9806 5803
m: 0427 905 885
e: acoote@parracity.nsw.gov.au
About Abergeldie
Abergeldie is a civil engineering contractor with over 25 years’ experience providing services in the utilities, energy and infrastructure sectors: the complex infrastructure needed to build better communities.
