The Big Dig gives river back ground
If the aim of the $2.6 billion Elizabeth Quay development is to reconnect the city with the Swan River, “The Big Dig” nails the brief.
The Big Dig, as the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority calls it, is the continuing excavation of 150,000 cubic metres of land to create a 2.7ha inlet.
In the past, Perth’s planners had reclaimed land from the river to grow the city, creating landmarks such as Langley Park.
The quay development is letting the river back in by removing enough soil and clay to fill more than 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools. As the excavation nears halfway, groundwater seeping into the northern part of the inlet is often tested.
An artist's impression of Elizabeth Quay. Supplied picture
The inlet is due for completion in October. MRA chief executive Kieran Kinsella said about 4000 tonnes of soil a day was being removed to create “the star of the project”.
“If you go back and have a look at some photos circa 1940, all of this soil we’re digging out is soil that was put into the river in those days,” Mr Kinsella said.
Before: 2011. Picture: Nearmap
June 2013. Picture: Nearmap
April 2015. Picture: Nearmap
The inlet is slowly filling up at Elizabeth Quay. Supplied picture
An artist's impression of Elizabeth Quay. Supplied picture
