Twin sails bridge

Poole Regeneration - Twin Sails Bridge

By Vicki The Geography Student

  • Design work

    Dorset Country Counci indertake some preliminary investigation and design work

  • Original scheme included in Government Trunk Road Programme

    THe original scheme, created in the 1980s, is included in the Government's Trunk Road Programme and an international design competition. This raises the profile of the original scheme.

  • Scheme dropped as not considered a priority

    A 25,000 strong petition (the largest eveer in favour of a road programma) is presented to the Government. However, the Government do not view the project as a priority and it is dropped from the road programme.

  • Council work on new plan for seconf harbour crossing

    Despite the set back in 1998, the Council still feel that Poole would greatly benefit from a second harbour crossing to work in conjunction with the existing lifting bridge; so they work on generating a new plan.

  • Exhibition of the Councils proposals

    The council present their plans at a two - day exhibition which proves to be a great success; consequently they make a bid to Government in the Local Transport Plan. This bid was supported by Bournemouth and Dorset.

  • Government welcome Poole's bid

    The Government acknowledges Poole's bid for funding and shows an interest in the revised plans, asking for further information about the project - especially how the pans would support and encourage further local regeneration.

  • Local residents support main principles of the plan

    Local residnets and stajeholders supported the main principles of wanting a safe, pedestrain-friendly town with good town centre and waterside access, more public open space and consideration for maritime users.

  • Poole Local Plan is revised and incorporates proposals for the regeneration scheme

  • Government confirm funding of £14.14 million towards the harbour crossing

  • 30 internationally acclaimed design teams submit interest in the project and 4 are shortlisted for the final design

  • Gifford with Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Bennett (mechincal engineer) are appointed to undertake project

  • B+Buk landscape architects are slected to develop ideas for Poole's streets and open spaces

  • Council carry out further consultation with local people and other stakeholders

  • Environmental studies take place around the harbour whilst design work continues

  • Public consultation on environmental impact of new bridge

    Environment StatementLocal people, alnd owners and partners are consulted on how the environmental impact of the new bridge could be minimised. The Environmental Statement forms an essenital part of the application to the Government.

  • HM the Queen visits Poole and inspects a model of the new bridge

  • Council submit a TWAO

    The council submit a Transoprt and Works Act Order (TWAO) to the Department of Transport to apply for permission and legal authorisation to build the bridge and link roads.

  • Public Inquiry

    Council prepare for a Public Inquiry and then the Inspector's recommendation and conclusion is submitted to the Secretary of State in Decmeber 2005

  • TWAO granted with deemed planning permission

  • Submission to Department of Transport (DfT) for Conditional Approval of grant.

    This grant is approved in February 2007.

  • Regeneration Core Scheme

    Regernation Core Scheme tender procedure commences, although the tender assessment period is deferred pending confirmation of private sector contributions.

  • Improved slip way off West Quay Road built

    Borough of Poole build an improved slip way off West Quay Road to improve access to Backwater Channle and Holes Bay. This slip way includes storage facilites for 60 dinghies.

  • Borough of Poole publish its vision for development at the former power station site

  • SW Regional Development Agency confirm £9.96 million fudnign from the Regional Infrastructure Fund

  • Land secured

    Key agreement between Borough of Poole and Landowners JJ Gallagher and Land Improvement Holdings mean that the Council have secured the land required to build the bridge.

  • Tenders for the construction of the Twin Sails Bridge recieved

  • Evaluation of tender submissions

    The council completes its evaluation of tender submissions and confirms to the DfT that the scheme is affordable and within budget, subject to the DfT confimring the grant.

  • Grant confirmed

    DfT confirm a £14.14 million grant plus an additional £1.2 million for preparation costs.

  • Construction work begins on the Twin Sails Bridge

  • A special cereminy is held to mark the start of work on the Twin Sails Bridge

  • Demolition of Poole Boat Park building commences

  • Manfacture of the lifting leaves starts

  • Road network construction begins

    Might be worth reading the road networj leaflet!Construction of the new road linking Blandford Road in Hamworthy to the Twin Sails Bridge commenecs. Landowners, Gallagher Poole Ltd and Lands Improvement Holdings are responsible for this work.

  • Lifting leaves arrive in Poole

  • First trial opening of the lifting leaves occurs and is a success!

  • Final commissioning of the bridge lifting leaves

  • Public opening of the Twin Sails bridge (if everything else goes to plan!!!)