0507 poole news a4 twin sales supp p1

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PooleNewsSpec ial

Twin Sails Poole’s bridge for the future


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Revitalising PoolePoole’s long awaited Twin Sails Bridge finally got

the go ahead when the Government confirmed its

funding for the project.

The Department for Transport (DfT) approved a

£15.34 million grant to help fund the construction of the town’s much-needed second harbour crossing.

This funding was the final hurdle before the project

could begin and adds to a £9.96 million investment

from the South West Regional Development

Agency’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and other

public and private sector funding.

The £37 million Twin Sails Bridge project provides

critical infrastructure for 26 hectares of brownfieldland, one of the largest regeneration areas in the

South West.

This will provide:

• Approximately 2,000 new homes

(20% of the homes needed over the

next 16 years)

• up to 5,000 jobs

• two or three new hotels

• Pedestrian and cycle links

• An iconic bridge

• Public access to the waterfront and

circular walk between the two bridges

• New public squares and open space

• Improved traffic flows and access to

the town centre and the port

The catalyst for this regeneration is

the Twin Sails Bridge which will link

Hamworthy with Poole town centre.

The bridge will span from Wilkins Way

in West Quay Road to the former

power station site in Hamworthy. It

is designed to alleviate congestion,

provide a more reliable journey

across the Backwater Channel andimprove access to the port of Poole.

New pedestrian and cycle links will help

integrate the new transport network into

the town aiding ease of movement for

all users.

Poole is proud of its maritime and

industrial heritage and this is reflected

in the design of the Twin Sails Bridge.

When the bridge is up its two triangular

shaped lifting leaves symbolise thesails of a yacht.

Councillor Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council said: “The building of Twin

Sails Bridge is a defining moment in the history of Poole, and a reward for the many who

have fought long and hard to achieve it.

Well over 50 years after recognising the need for a second harbour crossing, and 12

years after the Bridge Action Team’s record 25,000+ signature petition to Parliament,

the second harbour crossing which will help relieve traffic congestion and open up

land for housing and employment opportunities, is now about to be constructed.

The iconic design, so fitting for the largest and finest harbour in Europe, epitomises

the confidence that the people of Poole have in their town’s future.

The regeneration of central Poole offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop and extend the vibrant

heart of the town. This needs to be managed in a way that conserves the historic core, respects the scale

of existing buildings and spaces and continues to encourage the best in contemporary design”

Front cover image left to right Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Economy, Jim Bright, Strategic Director, Cllr Brian Leverett,Leader of the Council. Pic courtesy of Daily Echo, Bournemouth.


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An Iconic Bridge

Date Activity

May 2010 Start on site

Summer 2010 Demolition of Poole Boat Park building

Autumn 2010 Manufacture of the lifting leaves to commence

Spring 2011 Lifting leaves arriving in Poole

Autumn 2011 First ever trial opening of the lifting leaves

Winter 2011 Final commissioning of bridge lifting leaves

Early 2012 Public opening of the Twin Sails Bridge

Construction ProgrammeThe construction period will last for 20 months and key activities include:

The Twin Sails Bridge was the winning entry in an

international design competition in 2002. It was

designed by the Wilkinson Eyre Architect’s team that

produced the ‘blinking eye’ Gateshead Millennium

Bridge, which opened in 2001.

Twin Sails Bridge will be the first bridge of its type to be

built. It is a world class design which was chosen to

symbolise the aspirations of the town.

The design and construction team comprise Gifford

as Consulting Engineers, Bennett as the Mechanical

Engineer and Hochtief (UK) as the contractor.

The bridge, which will work in conjunction with the

existing bridge, consists of two carriageways, two cycle

lanes and two footways. To allow the unrestricted

passage of boats through the navigation channel

the lift spans are pivoted through 88 degrees by twohydraulic rams.

Road signs will be introduced to ensure, as far as

possible, the free flow of traffic across the Backwater

Channel by diverting users to whichever of the two

bridges is open to traffic. The messaging system will

provide appropriate, clear and timely messages. It is

anticipated that the bridges will lift approximately 15

times per day.

Marine signs will also be introduced for boats using

the Backwater Channel. During the lifting sequence

vessels’ journey through the bridges will be controlled

by mandatory vessel traffic signals located on the

bridges. When the bridges are not in operation, smaller

vessels will be allowed to freely pass under the bridges,as they do under the existing bridge at present. The

design of the bridge includes art features and use of

tactile materials that help make the crossing a pleasant

experience for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Left to right Jim Bright, Strategic Director,Borough of Poole, Phil Bailey, ProjectDirector, Hochtief (UK) and Peter Curran,Director Gifford


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Twin Sails – 30 Year History

vi

Date Activity

1980s Dorset County Council undertook some preliminary investigation and design work.

1990s The original scheme was included in Government’s Trunk Road Programme and an

international design competition raised the profile of the original scheme.

1998 A 25,000 strong petition (the largest ever in favour of a road programme) was presented to

Government. However, the scheme was not considered a priority and was dropped from

the roads programme.

1999 Undeterred, the Council worked with planners and engineers to examine all options for the

second harbour crossing.

July 2000 Following a successful two-day exhibition of the Council’s proposals, a bid was made to

Government in the Local Transport Plan. This was supported by Bournemouth and Dorset.

December 2000 Government welcomed Poole’s bid and asked for more detailed information on how the plans

would support local regeneration.

March 2001 Local residents and stakeholders supported the main principles of wanting a safe,

pedestrian-friendly town with good town centre and waterside access, more public open

space and consideration for maritime users.

November 2001 Poole Local Plan was revised and incorporated proposals for the regeneration scheme.

December 2001 The Government confirmed funding of £14.14 million towards the harbour crossing.

August 2002 More than 30 internationally acclaimed design teams submitted expressions of interest, with

four being shortlisted for the final design

December 2002 A world class design team of Gifford with Wilkinson Eyre Architects and mechanical engineer

Bennett were appointed.

February 2003 B+Buk landscape architects were selected to develop ideas for Poole’s streets and open

spaces.

June/July 2003 The Council carried out further consultation with local people and other stakeholders.

Summer 2003 Environmental studies took place around the harbour as design work progressed.

Spring 2004 Local people, land owners and partners were consulted on how the environmental impact of the new bridge could be minimised. The Environmental Statement forms an essential part of

the application to Government.

July 2004 HM The Queen visited Poole and inspected a model of the bridge.

Autumn 2004 The Council submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to the

Department of Transport to apply for permission and legal authorisation to

build the bridge and link roads.

Summer 2005 The Council prepared for the Public Inquiry, with the Inspector’s

recommendation and conclusion submitted to the Secretary of State in

December 2005.

August 2006 TWAO granted with deemed planning permission.

December 2006 Submission to Department for Transport (DfT) for Conditional Approvalof grant, which was approved in February 2007.

Spring 2007 Regeneration Core Scheme tender procedure commenced, although the tender assessment

period was deferred pending confirmation of private sector contributions.

During 2007 Borough of Poole built an improved slip way off West Quay Road to improve access to

Backwater Channel and Holes Bay with storage facilities for 60 dinghies.

January 2008 Borough of Poole published its vision for development at the former power station site.

December 2008 SW Regional Development Agency confirmed £9.96 million funding from the Regional

Infrastructure Fund.

July 2009 Key agreement between Borough of Poole and landowners JJ Gallagher and Land

Improvement Holdings meant the Council had secured the land required.

October 2009 Tenders for the construction of the Twin Sails Bridge received.November 2009 The Council completed evaluation of tender submissions and confirmed to DfT the scheme

was affordable and within budget, subject to the DfT confirming the grant.

March 2010 Department for Transport confirmed £14.14 million funding plus £1.2 million for preparation costs.

May 2010 Construction work commences on the Twin Sails Bridge.



On the Record Councillors, residents and stakeholders views of what the

new bridge and redevelopment means for Poole

“This iconic world class bridge can be

a symbol of a town moving forward,

attracting new investor confidence.

Before its construction has even started

significant investment around Holes Bayis already taking place.”

Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for

the Local Economy, Borough of Poole

“This scheme will open up great

opportunities for the town, helping

to create much needed employment

in these recessionary times. Both

administrations have recognised the

importance of the regeneration that this

scheme will help to bring.”

Councillor Mike Brooke, Leader of the LiberalDemocrat Group

“Poole and all its residents have long-

awaited their second harbour crossing –

a bridge for the future! Commencement

of work on the new Twin Sails Bridge

undoubtedly owes a great deal to Poole’s

massive “People’s Petition” which was

backed by the Daily Echo’s strong campaign, cross-

party support and more than 25,000 signatures.”

Councillor Ann Stribley JP

“We welcome the Council getting on

with this long overdue project which will

deliver much needed better access to

Hamworthy for the people of Poole and

visitors alike.”

Cllr David Gillard, Independent Group

“The news that the Twin Sails Bridge

is finally going to become a reality is

great for Poole. I am convinced that the

unique design, look and style of TwinSails will make it one of Poole’s major

tourism assets.”

Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman Poole Tourism

Management Board

“Poole Harbour Commissioners are

delighted that the Twin Sails Bridge will

be going ahead. The current bridge is

too narrow and causes a great deal of

inconvenience for residents, businesses

and port customers. We are workinghard with others to ensure the efficient operation of the

two bridges for both boats and traffic.”

Jim Stewart, Chief Executive, Poole Harbour

Commissioners

“We should not underestimate this

tremendous achievement. The Twin

Sails announcement is such good news

for Poole. The regeneration plans

associated with the bridge are now realand not many towns can look forward to

such exciting potential. The success of the plans will

be to see more people living, working and spending

leisure time within the town, giving a major boost to

the vibrancy of the town and existing retailers.”

Jonathan Sibbett, Chair Poole Town Centre

Management Board

“Hamworthy’s residents have been

actively campaigning for a new bridge

for nearly forty years. After so many

disappointments and set-backs, the

Borough of Poole deserves much praise

for the stalwart manner in which it has

progressed this project to a successful conclusion.

For me, the official opening of the Twin Sails Bridge

will be like ‘a dream come true’.”

Ann Smeaton, Secretary, Hamside Residents

Assocociation

“Poole has been crying out for a second

harbour crossing for years. It will enable

our customers to get to and from the

ferry terminal with fewer traffic delays.

As a company we have stressed our

long term commitment to the town.”

Simon Edsall, Managing Director, Condor Ferries

“Delivery of the Twin Sails Bridge will

undoubtedly extend and enhance the

catchment area for existing town centre

facilities such as the Dolphin Centre and

is greatly welcomed.

It must be used as a catalyst for other

new developments and to stimulate further new

investment and job opportunities in the town centre.”

Simon Armstrong, Projects Director for Grosvenor

(owners and managers of the Dolphin Shopping

Centre)

“At last, Poole is soon to be home to the

FIRST triangular leaf lifting bridge in the

world! I am looking forward to sharing

this unique, historical experience the

Twin Sails Bridge will bring to Poole withmy students.”

Zoe Wathen, Teacher of Design & Technology,

Parkstone Grammar School

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Questions and Answers

For further information, look on boroughof poole.com/

twinsails or email [email protected]

Why was a “lifting bridge” chosen?

Various types of second harbour crossings have beenconsidered in the past, including links across HolesBay or Backwater Channel with a bridge or causeway,

links alongside the existing bridge, a low level fixed linkor fixed bridge, relocation of Cobbs Quay Marina, anddoing nothing other than making some improvementsto traffic movements and public transport.

Obstacles to these options included lack of land,the impact on sediment in the Backwater Channel,interruption to water flow, obstruction to yacht accessto Cobbs Quay Marina and access to the RNLI, andnegative physical and visual impact on the area. Theother options either did not meet the objectives of thescheme or would have significant impact on ecology.

Why was this specific design chosen?

The Twin Sails concept provides a flat, unobtrusivecrossing which does not detract from the open, flataspect of Holes Bay, and when the bridge opens, itcreates an iconic structure providing a visual spectaclefor the community.

Why do we need a second bridge – especially withthe loss of the Barfleur ferry?

Twin Sails will provide:

• the enabling of the regeneration of the former

power station site and parts of Poole town centre

• safer provision for cyclists, pedestrians and

disabled people

• improvedaccesstohealthandcommunityfacilities

for the local population and less disruption frombridge maintenance

• improvedreliabilityforbusesandreduceddelays

for emergency services

• improvedaccesstotheport

Is there going to be an increase in Council Tax to

pay for the Bridge?

No, the £37 million Twin Sails Project is being funded

from a range of public and private sector sources,

including £15.34 million from the Department for

Transport. The South West Regional Development

Agency’s Regional Infrastructure Fund has provided

£9.96 million which is repayable through future planning

contributions. £2.2 million has been secured from The

Department for Communities and Local Government

and £1.5 million from planning contributions to date.

The remaining £8 million has been funded by the Council.

No further contribution is expected from Council Tax.

Could the money have been spent on otherservices?

Most of the funding had been secured specifically toprovide growth in homes and jobs and the associated

infrastructure. The Council does not have the optionto spend this money on other services.

How is the money being spent?

Over the last eleven years, expenditure totaling £8million has been spent on the project. This hasincluded consultancy fees, advice and planning;environment impact assessment, Public Inquiry andpermissions under the Transport and Works ActOrder; design and procurement; internal support andproject management fees.

Why will new shops be built when so many arestanding empty?

Historically, Poole has a low vacancy rate for retailunits in the town centre. The regeneration area willnot be the focus for significant new retail with provisionfor small niche shops on part of the waterfront anda small local store within the development on the

Hamworthy side. Major new retail development isproposed next to the Dolphin Shopping Centre aspart of the regeneration of this area which will includea new public square, cinema cafes and restaurantscreating a new vibrant heart to the town.

Will local residents be able to afford the proposednew homes?

Up to 40% of the new properties will be ‘affordablehomes’.

£18.562 million Twin Sails Bridge construction targetprice

£3.347 million Link road and land acquisition

£1.730 million Road message system and marine

Public Inquiry requirements

£1.646 million Site project management

£3.715 million Contingency

£8 million Work undertaken to date to cover

consultancy fees; advice and planning;

Environmental Impact Assessment;

Public Inquiry and permissions under

the Transport and Works Act Order;design and procurement; internal

support; project management fees and

preliminary work.

May 2010

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