The Quay is the Key

quay =\ˈkē, ˈkā, ˈkwā\ (sounds like key)

I've been in Perth for 928 days. And for 921 days, a large part of Perth's waterfront in the CBD (and my cycle path) has been closed for construction. Hidden behind fences, construction vehicles, and an occasional glimpse of men in hi-vis. It's the big Elizabeth Quay redevelopment project that has kept the city talking. It also included digging out the previous esplanade to create an inlet.

I can deal with inconveniences, but Elizabeth Quay has been a major inconvenience to anyone wanting to cycle, run or walk the popular bridge to bridge. Instead of smooth access on a mixed-use path along the foreshore, it's a dangerous and always changing detour that diverts through the city, crossing major intersections, bus routes, and most annoyingly, several looonnnng stoplights. I know several people (including myself) who change their activity plans to avoid this area.

It's been under construction since I arrived, which means I never knew what it looked like before. Apparently there were trees. Old trees. Now the trees are gone.

There's been a lot of opposition and public criticism over the project. People say the city has wasted it s money. There were many complaints for spending $1.3 million on a sculpture.

There's still construction to be done, including a five star hotel, restaurants and cafes.

But Elizabeth Quay is finally open. Finally.

I've finally seen Elizabeth Quay (it took a while to make that 10 minute walk, I've gotten so used to avoiding the area), and I think it's a very good thing to happen to Perth. It's a perfect waterfront public space for the city. It's a place where things can happen, like Fringe and the Perth International Arts Festival going on now. And they've even made it a little bit of Home.

It's what every waterfront city needs.

The ferry to South Perth is now right next to one of two major train stations in the CBD and the busport instead of two blocks away. Way to go public transport planners.

It's got a less-than-efficient bridge that now allows walkers, runners, and cyclists to connect seamlessly through the CBD along the waterfront.

There's a really fun water park for kids too. Too bad it's been closed already. Twice. For health reasons.

t's got a statue of a cormorant (or a penguin if you prefer) in a boat - aka First Contact  if we're being official.

And the $1.3 million Spanda statue isn't so bad. It's good for climbing if you're a kid.