Elizabeth Quay, the new development designed to link the Perth CBD better with the Swan River will be officially opened this afternoon.
The project features a new inlet connected by 1500 m of continuous boardwalks and promenades. At the entrance to the inlet is a 20 m high pedestrian and cyclist bridge leading to an island featuring winding paths, the historic Florence Hummerston Kiosk and a children's playground.
"The iconic double arch, single cable suspension bridge is the first of its kind in Perth and is high enough for Transperth ferries and most boats to pass underneath," said WA Planning Minister John Day.
The terminal for Swan River ferry services will ultimately move onto the site making it a transport hub with access to the newly renamed Elizabeth Quay train station (formerly The Esplanade) and the new Busport.
The buildings around Elizabeth Quay will feature restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments making it one of the focal points of tourism in the city, a little like Circular Quay in Sydney or Federation Square in Melbourne.
Today's opening will provide a foretaste of future New Year's Eve celebrations with a laser, light and water show which will be repeated every night for the next three weeks.
"The 10-minute shows combine visual effects and dozens of water fountains across the inlet and have been specifically developed by Oracle Liquid for our State," said Minister Day.
The project created around 4000 jobs during construction and is expected to provide a workplace for more than 10,000 people on an ongoing basis.
The excavations for the inlet were undertaken by Leighton Contractors and Broad Construction Services. They involved the removal of 165,000 cubic metres for the inlet itself plus an additional 12,000 cubic metres of dredging to allow access from the river to the inlet.
A view from inside the pavilion towards the island and bridge. Photo: WA Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority