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Dorset County Council in preliminary investigation
Throughout the 1980s Dorset County Council undertook some preliminary investigation and design work for a new bridge crossing from lower Poole to Hamworthy. The existing lifting bridge was opened in 1927. Since then the bridge has lifted more than 400,000 times. The average lift is 6 minutes, but at peak times the bridge may be lifted for up to 35 minutes. It is hoped that a second bridge will help to ease some of the traffic congestion that this can cause -
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Plans considered by Major government
Throughout the 1990s the plans for a second harbour crossing were under review as part of the Major government's trunk programme, a scheme for improving many of Britain’s highways. -
Demolition of Poole Power Station
In 1993 demolition work on the Poole Power Station was underway. The opening up of more than 50 acres of brownfield for development on the former power station site, was a key argument for many in favour of a new bridge. The Demolition on ITV's Meridian Tonight -
Bridge design competition
Throughout 1997 Poole held a competition to select the design of the crossing. There were 99 submissions to the competition, several from internationally renowned architects. The three finalists were all paid £100,000 for their entries. The eventual winners were Flint and Neil Ltd for their minimalist multiple span cable-stay bridge (artist impression left). -
Change of government
A change of government meant that the trunk programme was reassessed. Dorset County Council was required to resubmit the bridge proposals. The council emphasised that the bridge would help to reduce traffic congestion and therefore bring down carbon emissions. The council also argued that the development would open up 50 acres of brownfield site for development and create sustainable economic development. Image: John Prescott - between 1997 and 2001 Prescott held the transport portfolio. -
Government drops plan
The government concluded a review and decided not to go ahead with the new bridge. A petition gathered 25,000 signatures and was presented to Westminster, but to no avail. The plans were shelved. -
The council examines further alternatives
Over 4,000 people took part in a two-day exhibition to study the Council's proposals for a new harbour crossing. The majority supported Poole Council's preferred scheme for a second lifting bridge. A further bid was submitted to the UK government. -
Government accepts revised bridge plan
After more than 30 years of campaigning by local people, the UK government eventually confirmed funding of £14.14million for a second harbour crossing in Poole. -
Design team appointed
Consulting engineers Gifford , with mechanical engineers Bennetts Associates and architects Wilkinson Eyre were appointed by Poole Borough Council as the design team for Poole’s new bridge. This partnership came up with the 'twin sails' design, intended to reflect Poole's maritime history. -
The Queen visits Poole
The Queen visits Poole and inspects a model of the 'Twin Sails' bridge long before construction is due to begin -
Planning permission granted
Douglas Alexander (left), the then Secreatry of State for Transport, passed a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO). This act was the crucial piece of legislation granting planning permission for the project The legislation allowing building to begin -
Construction begins
After years of finalising plans and eventually securing £37 million funding, construction on the Twin Sails bridge Finally gets under way. Dorset County council secured £15.34 million from the Department of Transport, £9.96 million from the South West Regional Development Agency, £8 million from council tax contributions, £2.2 million from the Department of Communities and Local Government and £1.5 million from private planning contributions. -
First Bridge Crossing
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Graham Wilson, will lead a party of dignitaries, including the candidates of the recent UK Youth Parliament elections, across the first bridge crossing. Time-lapse video of the bridge construction -
Bridge opens to traffic
After more than 30 years of planning Poole's Twin Sails Bridge will finally open to traffic.
