A new entry feature has been unveiled at one of Ipswich’s most popular mountain biking and bushwalking locations, Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve.
Steel arches set against landscaped gardens pay tribute to the area’s fascinating history as the former site of Brynhyfryd Castle, which was built in 1889 for coal mining magnate Lewis Thomas.
Ipswich City Council’s General Manager of Infrastructure and Environment, Charlie Dill, said the monument was designed to reflect the heritage of Blackstone Reserve.
“The form and materials used in the design commemorate the Brynhyfryd Castle and the importance of coal mining to the development of the local and wider area of Ipswich,” Mr Dill said.
“It also pays tribute to the coal miners who worked at and under Castle Hill.”
Standing at 8 metres high and 15 metres wide, the monument will serve as a major signage piece to both bushwalking and mountain biking enthusiasts, and others passing by.
“It will direct people to the numerous trail networks for bushwalking and mountain biking,” Mr Dill said.
“The sign is large enough to be seen and read from a vehicle, but it’s also transparent enough that 90% of the views into the reserve through the structure are retained.”
The new entry feature was partly funded by Ipswich City Council’s Beautiful Ipswich program, which aims to enhance parks, streetscapes and recreational areas across the city.
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve has 16km of mountain biking trails, 4km of walking trails which lead people to hand-dug mine shafts at the footings of the famous Brynhyfryd.
Walks include the Lewis Thomas Historical Trail (1.5km), Blackleg Gully Circuit (1km), Mango Track (750m) and Central Track (830m).
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