Article Topic: Glebe Island Bridge

The Glebe Society’s Heritage Subcommittee is tasked with improving the amenity of Glebe and Forest Lodge by opposing development detrimental to heritage values or contrary to community interests; with encouraging sound town planning, architectural and conservation practices; and stimulating interest in the history and character of Glebe and Forest Lodge.

The old nursery rhyme goes: “London Bridge is falling down”, and the song could be suitably modified to refer to the tragic state of the Glebe Island Bridge today. In this article the former President of the Glebe Society, Janet Wahlquist, calls for a commitment from NSW politicians seeking election on March 25 to guarantee funding for the renovation of the Bridge as a priority.

It is 12 months since the 25-year anniversary of the decommissioning of the Glebe Island Bridge and our rally calling for the restoration and rejuvenation of the Glebe Island Bridge. What has happened since?

Glebe Society President, Janet Wahlquist, provides an update on the Society’s recent activities and what’s new in Glebe and Forest Lodge

The 2nd July 2021 marked 118 years since the opening of Glebe Island Bridge in 1903….

New website highlights the past and potential of this wonderful asset, sadly now falling into greater and greater disrepair. The Society wants to see it restored and put into use as an attractive green pedestrian and cycleway linking Rozelle and Pyrmont.

The Glebe Society has objected to a proposal for a Concrete Batching Plant and Handling Facility at White Bay. Among other things, it could have a negative impact on the desirability of restoring the Glebe Island Bridge as a pedestrian and cycleway.

It was with some surprise and also joy that we learned from the Minister for Planning, Rob Stokes, of his plan for White Bay, which also including a plan to open the Glebe Island Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.

According to NSW Transport’s archives (https://historicalarchive.transport.nsw.gov.au/), a fire irreparably damaged the control cabin of the Glebe Island Bridge, necessitating its complete rebuild and technology upgrade.

Report from the Glebe Society President, Janet Wahlquist on the Society’s recent activities.

The Glebe Society has for many years called for the restoration and repair of the now-disused Glebe Island Bridge for use as a pedestrian walkway and cycleway. The Society organised a meeting at the Pyrmont end of the Bridge on Thursday 3 December, the 25th anniversary of the decommissioning of the Bridge and its replacement by the Anzac Bridge.

When the NSW Heritage Act was introduced in 1977 it was a turning point in the protection of our built heritage. However, all is not as it should be, and important heritage listed buildings in Glebe continue to deteriorate.

On 3rd December 2020 it will be 25 years since the Glebe Island Bridge closed. Invitation to be part of action to lobby for the it to be restored and reopened for pedestrians and cyclists.

Proposals to restore the Glebe Island Bridge for use as a walkway and cycle path are mounting. The latest is from the McKell Institute, which has proposed an active transport path linking the Opera House and Paramatta along the harbour foreshores and southern bank of the Parramatta River.

No matter how hard we try, there are some heritage issues that seem to take forever to resolve. Here is a selection.