The historic Lennox Bridge has been part of the Parramatta landscape since 1839. During its lifetime the bridge has been modified repeatedly to meet the evolving needs of the community and the latest $12M change has removed the last remaining barrier to river access in the city’s CBD.
Following extensive planning and public consultation, tunnels have been constructed on either bank of the river, opening up the riverfront for pedestrians and bike riders who can now walk or ride, via the river from the Parramatta city centre to Westmead.
Parramatta Lord Mayor, Scott Lloyd said Council wants to maximise Parramatta’s relationship with its river.
“Parramatta is the only major CBD in Sydney situated on the river and we want to activate the waterfront and make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy this wonderful location,” said the Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd.
“These portals mean that people no longer need to cross busy roads and navigate narrow stairs to enjoy the riverfront. It is far more accessible for everybody, including parents with prams and those who are less mobile, such as senior citizens and people in wheelchairs.”
The Lennox Bridge Portals are part of the River Cities Renewal program, which is a partnership between Parramatta City Council, the NSW Government and the Federal government.
The State Government has provided funding of $5.6 million for the Portals project. The remainder of the money has come from a Federal Grant of $3.75 million as part of the Liveable Cities program and a major investment of more than $3 million by Council from its Section 94 developer contribution fund.
During the construction of the tunnels archaeological evidence was uncovered of how convicts constructed the original Lennox Bridge, along with evidence of one of Australia’s first bridges, the old Gaol Bridge, believed to have been built around 1802.
Council staff worked closely with the NSW Heritage Office to preserve the recovered relics.
