b'Connecting SydneyIn the 1850s Sydneys Darling Harbour was a hive of activity,Work began quickly on the wooden bridge that would with its many mills, factories and shipyards. The waterwaystretch almost 350 metres across Darling Harbour. It was was busy with shipping companies transporting goods toa source of pride within the colony, with the Empire noting the rail line. Yet the residents of the growing suburbs toit was wider than any bridge over the Thames. The bridge the west had to travel along busy Parramatta Road to getincluded a roadway and a walkway on each side; however, home each day. George Allen was among those lamentingthe prime feature was a central swing panel to be opened their slow commute home to Glebe. When Thomas Smith,at 7am and 3pm daily to allow ships to pass into and out a resident of Pyrmont, published a letter in the Sydneyof the harbour. Operated by two men turning a crank, the Morning Herald in 1852 requesting the city council build swing panel could be opened and closed in under a minute. a bridge from the city to Pyrmont, George wholeheartedly agreed and became a driving force behind a private enterpriseIn the two weeks after the bridge opened on 17 March1858, to fund the project.over 20,000 pedestrians made their way across, along with 932 carts and drays, 125 horses and riders, 43 gigs and 17 carriages. The estimated cost of the bridge was 50,000, to be raisedThe new bridge quickly accelerated residential development through the offer of 10,000 shares of 5 each in the newlyon the western side of the city. A year after it opened, Glebe incorporated Pyrmont Bridge Company. So popular wasbecame the first Sydney suburb with its own council and the project, that by the time of incorporation 9,000 wasGeorge Wigram Allen was appointed its first mayor.already subscribed and within six weeks a further 4,000 had been raised. At the first meeting of shareholders, GeorgeIn 1884 the government purchased the bridge, paying the Allen became a director; a year later he was appointedPyrmont Bridge Company 52,500. Construction began on a chairman, a position he held for over fifteen years. Shortlynew electrically operated bridge in 1899, which was opened after the company was incorporated in 1855, George Wigramon 28 June 1902 and remains in use today.Allen was appointed the companys official solicitor.The new Pyrmont bridge quickly accelerated residential development on the western side of the city. A year after it opened, Glebe became the first Sydney suburb with its own council and George Wigram Allen was appointed its first mayor.43'