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6 Nov 08New Funding Proposal For Twin Sails Bridge
Poole councillors are backing plans for a new funding package that could see work on the Twin Sails Bridge start in 2009.
The proposal would see the South West Regional Development Agency 
(SWRDA) working in partnership with Borough of Poole to deliver the £40 million project.
The proposal, which has cross-party support from members of Borough of Poole's Revitalising the Town Centre Board, would secure the funds and land to build the bridge before development of the former power station site in Hamworthy.
Earlier this year, SWRDA established a new £80 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support major regeneration projects like the Twin Sails Bridge.
In addition to support from SWRDA, the council would also need to enter into agreements with landowners JJ Gallagher. Discussions on these agreements are well underway.
If a final agreement is reached with SWRDA and the landowners, the council will be able to commence its procurement process early in 2009 with a view to starting construction work by the end of the year.
Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "I am delighted that there is a prospect of moving this scheme forward. This approach creates the possibility of starting construction of the Twin Sails Bridge before the end of 2009. In the middle of difficult economic circumstances this would be very good for Poole."
Jim Bright, Strategic Director leading the project, said: "This proposal involves bringing the South West Regional Development Agency in as a funding partner. The agency recently established an £80 million fund specifically designed to support the development of sites that have exceptional up front costs and complex land issues. The regeneration sites in Poole meet these criteria and the panel administering the fund will consider our proposal in December. This is not yet a done deal but we are cautiously optimistic that 2009 could be a very significant year for the Twin Sails Bridge scheme."
Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Economy, Borough of Poole, said: "Constructing the Twin Sails Bridge before planning proposals are agreed wasn't the council's first choice. However, there are immediate benefits of having the new bridge built as soon as possible, such as improving transport links to the port. The bridge will be an iconic structure and promote Poole as a place to invest in for the future."
Cllr Mike Brooke, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Borough of Poole, said: "The Twin Sails Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the town and I am happy to support its delivery. Investment at this time will help support Poole's economy."
Once developed, sites in the regeneration area are expected to provide about 25 per cent of the homes and jobs Poole is looking to create over the next 20 years.
Tony Bray, Area Director of the South West Regional Development Agency, said: "Over the last few months the local authorities of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole have made significant progress in developing their Multi Area Agreement, one of the first such agreements agreed in the country. Working closely with the local authorities to achieve this has been a stimulating and challenging experience and marks new ground for the South West RDA. Collectively, we need to turn this work into delivery and I am pleased to see Poole working so hard to realise the benefits of regeneration.
"RIF funding was specifically designed to help achieve schemes like the Twin Sails Bridge, providing recoverable public sector investment to help kick start major regeneration projects. Given what is happening in the world's financial markets and the economic downturn in the UK economy it is more important than ever that the public sector concentrates on making such schemes happen."
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