The council unveiled the plans yesterday, saying it would consider two options - a functional option, similar to the railway station bridge, at about $1.5 million, or a "landmark" structure, still to be designed, costing between $2.6 million and $3.5 million.
Mayor Dave Cull was quick to say the changes the council made to its harbourside plans last year had reduced the costs to ratepayers and the council could still fund the bridge - up to $3.5 million was already in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 budgets - and save $2.964 million.
"We're getting a connection we weren't going for and saving money in the long-term budget."
The public would be consulted through annual-plan processes and the council was not "irrevocably" committed to carrying out any of it, he said.
"It will continue to be reviewed and questioned to get the most out of whatever we spend."
The proposed bridge would span from outside the Chinese Garden to a site beside the Customhouse building in the harbour basin.
It would provide a second pedestrian link across the railway lines, with the mobility access the railway station bridge did not have, and would link up with cycle lanes on both sides.
Council acting general manager strategy and development Nicola Johnston said the council had clear community feedback that improved links with the harbourside for pedestrians and cyclists was important.
The council abandoned plans last year for the Fairley St walkway, linking the railway station with the harbour basin, which returned the focus to Rattray St, although it was acknowledged a vehicle bridge was not feasible in the short term because of the railway tracks, she said.
A pedestrian bridge could revitalise the Queens Gardens and harbourside areas and complement existing attractions such as the Chinese Garden and Settlers Museum, she said.
A "landmark" structure could also become an attraction itself, like the Millennium Bridge in London.
Acting transport planning manager Sarah Connolly said the proposal provided the "missing link" between the Octagon, residential areas and hotel and motels in the Queens Gardens area.
"It's a much more direct link and opens up the city, bringing the harbourside in to the city."
Mr Cull said the council would consult business, industry, disability groups and the Otago Regional Council about the proposal and in the meantime continue to enhance cycle routes and the heritage walk.
It was important to keep the "ball rolling" and encourage amenity development in the harbourside area so there were more reasons for people to want to go there, he said.
Designs for the bridge, if approved, would be put out for tender or possibly a design competition.
