Alternative proposals to connect the two destinations have considered the construction of a cable-car from the Quay, up over the 60m scarp and through Kings Park. Even though this proposal does address the poor connection between the two places there has however been significant community opposition to this proposal. A cable car will obscure King’s Park’s iconic views over the city and freeway, it will cut into Kings Park which is Perth’s greatest asset, it will be expensive to use, it wont transport many people and it will be underwhelming in scale. The adjacent diagram compares a cable-car between Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park to similar cable-cars around the world.  The comparison shows the proposed Perth Cable-car lacks the height and steepness to create the excitement that other cable-cars achieve. It also lacks an exclusive destination that can only be assessed by the cable-car.

Perth should play to its strengths. With a wonderful climate, active outdoor culture and a beautiful river, a walking path provides the perfect opportunity for visitors and perthites alike to enjoy the riverfront as they transverse between the Quay and the Park

The Southern lake, approached after the northern lake is less protected from the noise of the freeway. This can be overcome by constructing a concrete acoustic barrier along the boundary with the freeway. This wall can be complimented with an acoustic baffle which can be cut in patterns and present an appealing dynamic appearance to the freeway. There are opportunities to build in seating for respite and to introduce planting to soften the edge of the park.

At the southern end of the southern lake we propose to build a platform with a floating garden. The lake at this point does often overflow into the surrounding grasses. We propose to turn this area into a reed bed that helps to clean the water before it possibly gets washed into the river. A platform can be built out amongst the reed garden and provides another point of interest along the path. 

The fishing platform is proposed under the Narrows Bridge after following the secondary path along the riverfront. The space has long been used by fisherman who pull up their vehicles and fish from brick walls while using lanterns for light. This area is currently neglected. We propose a terraced fishing platform below the bridge that allows anglers an opportunity to get down to the water. The platform will include new paving and lighting to clean up the area so that it is an asset to the city. The intervention will include fish cleaning stations and waste receptacles so that it remains in a good condition. Parking for the platform will be located on Mounts Bay road.  

An existing level-crossing on the eastern side of the Narrows Bridge helps to provide connection between the primary and secondary paths but is frequently congested by cyclists and can be dangerous for pedestrians because of poor site lines and the speed of vehicles moving through the area. A pedestrian stair is proposed just on the eastern side of the Fishing Platform and allows pedestrians to get up to the deck level of the Narrows Bridge and use the existing pedestrian footpath to cross over the road. This path will be maintained as it slopes down and joins the primary path adjacent to the southern lake. The pedestrian stair allows the Primary and Secondary paths to meet without having to cross a road.

Currently the freeway underpass under the Narrows Bridge is a large sandy pit, filled with car noise. The area is difficult to traverse because of bicycles speeding through, and generally feels neglected. This area is probably one of the least pleasant parts of the existing infrastructure that is required to make the new walking path work. The area requires a significant upgrade.

We propose a series of sculptural bollards that run along the kerb of the road to separate car traffic from pedestrians. These bollards can be designed in a way that they don’t present a danger to traffic and can be fitted with lighting. The path under the bridge can be further divided into dedicated paths for cyclists and pedestrians. Through a series of light fixtures that ensure that the space is not daunting at night. In addition to floor mounted lighting we propose that a coloured lighting scheme be projected along the ribs of the Narrows Bridge. This bridge has beautiful subtle curves which would perform well with additional light. This approach to lighting will add a point of interest along the path.

The existing underpass has a long empty wall that is dirty and neglected. Along with new paving throughout the area we believe that we should be upgrading the wall by introducing artwork from local artists. Artwork could incorporate historical imagery, pattern or a contemporary narrative.  

After exiting from the freeway underpass the path takes a sharp right. At the moment the flat red bituminised path, surrounded by grass lacks any strength or identity and doesn’t provide a clear indication that the path continues. By cutting into the existing shoulder with a strong retaining wall the direction of the path is reinforced. By cutting a new path around the corner we are able to keep the definition between pedestrians and cyclists around a corner with otherwise poor visibility.

An existing concrete overpass spirals out of the grass just after the freeway shoulder and lands on the lower slopes of the Mt Eliza scarp immediately below the Hackett Path. The overpass itself is an elegant structure but has been neglected as it no longer serves a clear purpose since the closing of the path up to Kings Park. In it’s current setting, surrounded by grass, the helical ramp, and the bridge itself feels isolated and of little consequence. To improve it’s importance, and to make it a legible part of the new path we propose extending the lake immediately to it’s north under the bridge ramp itself. By strengthening the bridge’s sense of place, the strength of the overall path is improved.