Innovative wave design for bridge across Onepoto Stream

A proposed 27-metre bridge across Onepoto Stream will incorporate innovative design elements in keeping with its estuary-rich surrounds.

North Shore City's urban design champion, Councillor Chris Darby, is full of praise for the wave-themed design, which he says will be a point of focus and interest in the Birkenhead and Northcote communities.

The bridge and its linking boardwalk will provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safer, more user-friendly option to cross the Onepoto Stream, rather than via the widened Onewa Rd vehicular bridge.

"The wave design provides an elegant visual separation between the widened concrete bridge over Onewa Rd, and Onepoto Stream's unique estuarine environment," says Councillor Darby.

Concepts for the bridge and boardwalk won preliminary support from the Birkenhead/Northcote Community Board this week. Comments from residents in the surrounding neighbourhood will be sought in the New Year as part of a wider consultation process.

The bridge will incorporate a three-metre wide surface for use by pedestrians and cyclists, and will profile views across the estuary surrounds, complemented by signage and seating at key points.

Lighting will reflect the bridge's ribbed wave design in the water beneath, and is an important security measure.

"As a strong advocate for Council to increasingly take urban design into account, it's pleasing to see compelling design characteristics coming through in more and more of our public architecture," says Councillor Darby.

"In order to encourage better design standards from the private sector, North Shore City Council needs to lead by example in the years ahead.

"This project reflects our commitment to central government's Urban Design Protocol, in particular its emphasis for design to build on local identity and character.

"Another important urban design victory for the people of North Shore City is the Esmonde Rd upgrade project, which will benefit from the planting of a boulevard of pohutukawa trees to create a visual landscape in keeping with the coastal environment. The adjacent mangrove-themed footbridge across Shoal Bay will also sit gracefully amongst its surroundings," says Councillor Darby.

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