A strategy was announced on Tuesday for the revitalization of one of the city's oldest public spaces as part of the East Village Area Redevelopment Plan.

St. Patrick's Island will receive a major makeover and construction will begin next year on the new pedestrian bridge that will span the Bow River from Bridgeland to the East Village.

The project was originally approved by council in 2005 and the plan was revised in 2010 and approved with a total budget of $45 Million.

The city says St. Patrick's Island will provide recreational space for the neighbouring communities and be a key entry way for the RiverWalk.

The $45 Million price tag includes the revitalization of the island, the construction of a pedestrian/cycle bridge and beautification of the connecting pathways and landscaping.

The city says 6000 Calgarians were consulted on the project.

In 2009, the city launched an international design competition for the bridge and received 33 submissions.

The entries were put on public display and after a review process three designs were chosen as finalists.

The three finalists then submitted refined proposals and the city held another round of public consultations.

In the spring of 2010, the city gave the final nod to a team from RFR Group in Paris, France to design the bridge.

For more information, visit the CMLC website.