FOR months there has been a stairway to nowhere on Victoria Parade at Nelson Bay.

Council initially removed the pedestrian overhead bridge for inspection and now they have confirmed that the bridge is in too poor a condition to re-install.

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The Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan was adopted by Council on 23 July 2019 and this plan included the permanent removal of the pedestrian bridge.

While businesses in the arcade that leads to the overhead bridge are missing some passing trade the removal of the structure is a part of the long term vision for the township.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said Council is committed to delivering the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan.

“A key part of the plan is to provide a better street view along Victoria Parade and free up public space,” Mayor Palmer said

“As we implement the plan we will see Nelson Bay become more inviting with enhanced local character, attracting investment and creating vibrant streets that revitalise the area,” he added.

Facilities and Services Group Manager Greg Kable said he understands the decision to permanently remove the bridge may impact some businesses and residents located in Nelson Towers.

“We need to make sure our structures are safe, meet building codes and don’t become a greater liability for Council and our community,” Mr Kable said.

“As part of our routine maintenance program, a condition assessment inspection identified that sections of the bridge and supports were showing distress.

“Following this, we removed the bridge in April so we could further assess the damage and identified a number of bigger problems including concrete spalling.

“We did investigate the option of repairing the bridge but the costs were just too high and they were only a temporary fix.

“We’d have to spend more money in the next few years to keep the bridge structurally sound and safe.

“We also know that the bridge can be an area of anti-social behaviour and for the bridge to stay, we were looking at increased costs to install structures to deter this behaviour.

“Given the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan included the permanent removal of the bridge to create a more generous pedestrian space, we’ve made the decision to bring this forward,” he said.

An official start for the demolition works is largely dependent on weather, however Council is keen to have these works completed prior to the busy holiday period.

Mr Kable said that a temporary site fence will be erected around the work area and temporary changes to the footpath and access along the Apex Park side of Victoria Parade will be in place to ensure public safety.

“The demolition work will involve the removal of the structures on the northern side (Apex Park side) of the bridge,” Mr Kable said.

“Council’s safety and environmental teams have controls in place to mitigate the noise and dust expected as part of the demolition, and will be monitoring their effectiveness throughout the project.

“We’ll continue to work with residents and businesses directly impacted by the demolition works and look forward to working with local business to revitalise the shopping arcade and activate the space over the busy summer holiday season,” he added.

Further demolition works will continue in 2023 to remove what is left of the structure.

Port Stephens Council Assets Section Manager John Maretich, told News Of The Area, “Council is currently out to tender for the removal of the remaining bridge and associated works, as with all Council assessments, the environmental assessment is an important factor when reviewing project submissions.

“The tender is awarded to the contractor who can complement sustainable outcomes including repurposing and recycling.

“Council recycles concrete from projects to assist in reducing waste and to meet our sustainability goals.

“It’s a standard industry practice to ensure sustainable outcomes in line with the NSW Government’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy, and the incentives under the Resource Recovery Exemptions,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON