By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Handrails will be added to Bunjil Place’s outdoor footbridges in response to safety concerns.
Bunjil Close Out Projects manager Mark Dibsdale said the handrails for the three bridges crossing the dry-moat have been designed and ordered.
There is at least a one-metre drop from the footbridges into the moat.
The bridges had been deemed compliant by the appointed building surveyor, Mr Dibsdale said.
“However, even though the bridges are compliant, Council has listened to concerns from some members of the community and will be installing new handrails in keeping with the sleek and modern design of Bunjil Place”
There had also been complaints about Bunjil’s indoor wooden shell structure being a trip hazard as well as difficulties finding the foyer’s glass entrances.
Mr Dibsdale said the feet of the wooden shell was barricaded, with further evaluation on signage and wayfinding.
He said an independent access audit had been commissioned to recommend further improvements.
“The associated costs for these recommendations will not be known until the completion of the audit.
“At this time the scope of works will be considered to determine if they are covered by the existing building contract as defects or omissions.”
The nearest disability parking bays remain some walking distance from the building after Casey closed the basement car park to the public in December.
Visitors using the closest bays in the Magid Drive car park are required to cross Patrick North East Drive to reach Bunjil.
Mr Dibsdale said the 22 accessible parking bays were located as close as possible to the entrances of Casey ARC and Bunjil.
An additional two accessible parking bays were set to be installed in the ARC car park.
Mr Dibsdale said works to repair panels that were torn from Bunjil’s southern roof section were expected to be completed by the end of March.
