CAPTAIN FRANCIS DE GROOT’S SWORD RETURNS TO THE BRIDGE
Today, Friday 2nd October 2009, BridgeClimb Sydney launched “Climb Base,” home to the first-ever Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitor Centre.
BridgeClimb’s Chairman and Founder, Mr. Paul Cave, officially opened the new Climb Base by cutting a ribbon with the same historic sword that Captain Francis De Groot used to slash the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.
It is an absolute pleasure to bring out this historic sword to officially open BridgeClimb’s new Climb Base,” said Mr. Paul Cave.
This is the first time since that infamous event in 1932 that the sword has appeared in public at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.”
Located next to BridgeClimb’s original operation, BridgeClimb’s new Climb Base boasts a one-of a-kind design, inside a grand heritage archway. The architecture incorporates smart, stylish features that create a theatrical experience for Climbers while still conserving energy and preserving the heritage of the space.
An awesome 7.3 metre ceiling fan, which can move up to 80,000 litres of air per minute, has been installed inside the Climb Base to cool Climbers on warmer days as they prepare for their Climb. Then, once Climbers are wearing their BridgeSuit, they will have the opportunity to walk along a catwalk, which is suspended over the Climb Base’s Café and foyer, before they depart for their Climb adventure on arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The new Climb Base will also be home to the first-ever Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitor Centre. Offering free entry and full disabled access, this will be the first fully accessible space situated in and dedicated to Australia’s icon. Visitors will be welcome to immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, display galleries and a 46 seat digital high definition cinema devoted to sharing the stories of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from preconstruction to the present day.
From today, Climbers will now have the choice of three amazing Climb adventures. The newest experience, The Express Climb, is the fastest Climb to the top of the Bridge. The Express Climb offers more of BridgeClimb’s team on hand to assist Climbers with a quicker Climb preparation. Climbers will now have the opportunity to discover the wonders of this amazing structure and the thrilling views of Sydney, in just over 2 hours.
The Express Climb will complement BridgeClimb’s two established 3.5 hour Climb experiences, The Discovery Climb and The Bridge Climb.
All three Climb experiences lead Climbers to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, are available at Dawn, Day, Twilight and at Night, and will captivate Climbers from beginning to end.
We are proud to be able to share this Bridge with the world. This is a magnificent city, with a magnificent harbour and there is nothing quite like standing at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to experience it all,” said Mr. Paul Cave.
