Helping to put Bunbury further on the tourist map, the city's iconic Koombana Footbridge recently won the Award for Urban Design at the Western Australian Architecture Awards and was also given a commendation for lighting.
The bridge linking the Marlston Waterfront to Koombana Foreshore was designed by architects Gresley Abas and Cardno, inspired by many shipwrecks which have been discovered in the bay, with each rib symbolising a wreck.
Bunbury Development Committee chair Robyn Fenech said it was a landmark Bunbury could be proud of.
"We always knew this pedestrian bridge was something special - now it's official," she said.
At night the bridge lights up and can be programmed to create a a variety of dramatic effects.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the bridge provided a link between two of Bunbury's most popular precincts and had become an iconic landmark.
"The bridge tells an important historical tale as well as looking sensational and has become an entry statement to the CBD," he said.
Gresley Abas director Philip Gresley said the team approached the bridge as an interpretative artwork and wanted to create a strong sense of place.
"For us, the most satisfying aspect of this project is that people have embraced the bridge, and enjoy using it and seeing it lit up at night, and we are pleased that the design has become a local landmark," he said.
