A protest of about 40 people on the City to Sea Bridge in Wellington protesting the demolishing the bridge. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens
Around 40 people have protested the potential demolition of Wellington's City to Sea Bridge.
The Wellington Civic Trust was attempting to halt the demolition, but on Monday the High Court threw out its judicial review.
The trust had three days to decide to appeal, and is expected to announce their decision on Thursday afternoon.
However, this morning about 40 people braved the Wellington wind to stand on the bridge waving their protest signs at vehicles passing underneath.
"It's not just a bridge," said protest organiser and candidate for Wellington City Council Paula Muollo. "It's a sculptural art feature that's part of Wellington's landscape."
She said getting rid of the city's iconic sites was getting rid of its heart.
Organiser Paula Muollo and Wellington philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens
One of the people behind the campaign to save the bridge, Lesleigh Salinger, said the bridge was a unique combination of architecture and art in the form of sculptures and was much loved by Wellingtonians.
"It's used to get from the waterfront into the heart of the city and it's a part of the foundation of Civic Square."
She said some of the councillors who voted to demolish the bridge weren't seeking re-election.
"I really think that we should allow the new council to review the situation and come to a different conclusion."
Retired civil engineer Alex Gray questioned the council's estimated figures for strengthening the bridge. He believed it could cost a lot less.
Fellow Wellington City Council candidate Guy Nunns said engineering reports suggested the bridge didn't need tearing down.
"We cannot continue spending money hand over fist on projects like this that simply do not need to be done."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
