He told the aldermen they should not let the opportunity to do something special for the city got past just because a new planning application may be needed.

His sentiments were echoed by Cityprom executive officer Steve Henty, who said he supported the pedestrian linkage to the Seaport but asked if there was another design. 

A bridge could be an artwork for a city and was more than a straight line connection, Mr Henty said.

Alderman Janie Finlay said the council had fallen short by having the item on the Monday meeting agenda.

“We have got a fabulous team of people working on our City Heart Project and major projects like North Bank and this legacy infrastructure piece that will connect the Seaport precinct and North Bank precinct,” she said. 

“We were told clearly that the outcome delivered to us to consider in the DA was the best outcome and most creative outcome possible for the budget of the project.”

The council should have invested in a greater level of creativity, Ald FInlay said.

Both she and Alderman Hugh McKenzie questioned whether it was the role of the elected representatives to choose the design for the entire city for generations to come.

“I question whether I am suitable to make a decision on aesthetics, if my wife gave me a choice of two things I would choose the wrong one, so I really struggle in this area and I am troubled by the decision because it will have a long-term impact on our landscape,” Ald McKenzie said.

During the tender process two design alternatives were chosen, a warren half-through underhand truss bridge and a cable-stayed bridge. 

As the council’s staff undertook the evaluation process it was determined that there was minimal differences from a design, technical and financial perspective.

Seven aldermen voted for the warren half-through underhang truss bridge, which is likely to only require a minor amendment to the development application lodged in May.