Literally digging, that is. Imagine the surprise of workers creating the controversial portals in the heritage-listed Lennox Bridge on Church St when they uncovered the remains of an earlier bridge.
Seems it was presumed that when Australia’s first bridge builder David Lennox built his iconic bridge in 1839, the previous Gaol Bridge, built around 1802, had been dismantled.
But not so, adding another dimension to the long drawn-out project to create portals on either side of the arch to allow easy access along the foreshore.
Heritage protectors fought long and hard to have the project stopped, saying the bridge should not be touched.
While Parramatta Council finally won, at least they moved the portals further away from the arch so as not to interfere too much with the integrity of the bridge’s design. And good to see that council appears committed to preserving the Gaol Bridge relics.
Lord Mayor Scott Lloyd, said the works uncovered Lennox Bridge’s original western wall and part of the old Gaol Bridge.
He assured heritage lovers that council was working closely with the NSW Heritage Office and archaeologists to find the best way to display the artefacts.
Of course, as Parramatta looks forward to an exciting future, it cannot forget the rich colonial past.
Thank goodness that Parramatta Council, as well as the Baird government, have always shown such high regard for our diminishing heritage buildings and places when considering projects.
