The small Horne Creek walking bridge connecting Queenstown Bay with the Queenstown Gardens is to be restored to a heritage design, reflecting that of the original late 1800's bridge.

"There has been a great deal of research and consultation undertaken on the restoration of the bridge. The result will be a huge asset to the gardens and the foreshore reserve,? Queenstown Lakes District Council community service committee chairman Councillor Leigh Overton said.

Spearheaded by Queenstown woman Lorraine Cooper, the restoration of the bridge to a truer, more original design had been a major community undertaking, involving voluntary design work and community donations.

"The result will be totally in keeping with the move back to more original designs involving the use of schist stone and raw materials," he said.

It also fitted with the council's recently revisited gardens enhancement plans, which would restore original garden features from the turn of the century.

The current bridge, which had been undermined by a fire within the last two years, had been deemed unsound.

The old bridge was removed this week, with a temporary bridge erected.

"As far as we can tell, this will be the fifth little bridge constructed over the creek in this area," QLDC parks manager Gordon Bailey said.

The new bridge would be installed - in a slightly revised position to optimise view corridors - in time to open for Christmas.

ENDS

For further information please contact Gordon Bailey 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah