Armidale Regional Council was awarded a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant (LRCI) of $400,000 to repair/replace the Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement (rear of the Monkton Aquatic Centre), with the funding to be spent by 30 June 2025.
It was not possible to repair the current bridge. A new suspension bridge was constructed in timber to replicate the existing structure as closely as possible, as the existing bridge was classified as heritage infrastructure.
To be able to reconstruct this bridge, a Council contribution of $456,985 (exc GST) was required.
The Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement has been delivered alongside the Armidale Creeklands Restoration Project.
The bridge was re-opened on Monday 30 June 2025
Background
The present Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement was constructed in 1933 as the primary access to the swimming pool. The bridge was substantially repaired in the 1960’s and was regularly maintained by Council until the last round of maintenance was conducted around 15 years ago. Following flood events in 2021 & 2022 and extensive white ant damage, the bridge was closed in early 2023 because it was deemed unsafe. The southwest pile has subsided by approximately 300mm which it is assumed has been caused by termite damage.
This is a popular bridge in the community as evidenced by the memories shared on Facebook at the time the bridge shut. The bridge is also heritage listed on the Armidale Regional Local Environmental Plan 2012 as an item of significance and contains the following description:
“The picturesque timber suspension footbridge is an intact and well-maintained example of vernacular construction using relatively simple materials and technology. The associated pool entrance represents the rise and of swimming as a popular sport for ordinary people in the early twentieth century.”
Albion Park Suspension Bridge, Armidale 2350 View Map
Albion Park Suspension Bridge , Armidale 2350