A scheme to build a pedestrian bridge recognising Australian immigration has been replaced by a land-based monument to mark the central role that immigrants have played in Australia's political, social and economic life.
The 400m-long Immigration Bridge was to have been built over Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra under a scheme that has been under development since 2002. The proposals proved controversial. "The majority of groups and individuals who contacted us about this project said they supported a monument celebrating immigrants but did not feel that a bridge was the best format," said Immigration Bridge Australia chairman Laurie O'Donnell in announcing the change of direction.
Arup Australia and architect Bligh Voller Nield had originally been invited by IBA to be part of a forum addressing the bridge design. IBA had said it was setting out to create the most spectacular and beautiful bridge ever conceived in Australia, capable of world recognition.
