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13 Dec 01New Bridge Becomes a Reality in Poole
Poole's dream of a 21st century bridge is becoming a reality following a Government announcement earlier today.
A central part of Poole’s plans to regenerate the Town Centre, Hamworthy and the Quay, the Government has set aside £14.141million towards building a new harbour crossing in Poole.
Brian Clements, Leader of the Council, said: "Quite simply this is our dream come true! Poole will finally get the new Harbour Crossing that it so desperately needs and deserves. Many people across the area have fought long and hard to bring the bridge project to the top of the national agenda. Now the detailed hard work will continue and we will be pushing for an early meeting with the Department of Transport so that we can get this project underway."
"The new bridge is probably the single most important achievement this century for our town and the catalyst for the regeneration, opening up a wealth of investment and brown field development opportunities in Lower Hamworthy and the Old Town. What is now waste land will be transformed into a centre of prosperity, creating more affordable housing, jobs and leisure facilities for the people of Poole to benefit from and enjoy."
"We want to thank everyone who has supported the campaign. Not only will the new Bridge be a landmark which Poole can be proud of it is something that generations for years to come will benefit from."
Councillor Ann Stribley, Conservative Group Leader said: " At last the good news for which Poole has so long been waiting. We must now ensure our new bridge is delivered with an infrastructure which will herald regeneration of the Town Centre and uninterrupted access to the Port to ensure its continuing prosperity."
Brian Ellis, Leader of the Labour Group, Borough of Poole, said: "This is wonderful news for the people of Poole. A new bridge will mean a new lease of life for local residents and businesses and will be the fresh start that we have all been fighting for for so many years. It has been a long time coming and I am extremely pleased that Poole can look forward to a positive and prosperous future for generations to come."
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Under Poole’s proposals to build a new lifting bridge and regenerate the Town Centre, Hamworthy and the Quay the estimated costs of the total £27.6million project breakdown as:
- £14million Government funding from the Local Transport Plan which equates to the cost of the second bridge. \n
- £8-12million developer and private businesses contributions for road improvements \n
- £1-5million Borough of Poole contribution towards the project
The scheme aims to create:
- 2,800 new homes for the whole community \n
- Less congestion and frustration for people crossing the water \n
- 1,200 metres of new public quay \n
- A greater variety of shops and cafes \n
- 63,000 square metres floor space for business and employment \n
- New hotels boosting local tourism \n
- More reliable and better integrated public transport \n
- Better connections to the port \n
- More reliable lifts for boat users
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Stakeholder Comments
David Pratten, Headteacher of Carter Community School, Hamworthy, said:
"This is great news for Poole. The new bridge will pave the way for the exciting redevelopment of Lower Hamworthy. The opening up of so much vacant land will benefit not just existing residents but future generations as well."
Ian Roberts, Chief Executive Poole Harbour Commissioners, said:
"This is fantastic news, the go-ahead for the bridge means that plans to improve the access to the port and re-generate the Town Centre can begin to take shape. The Commissioners wholeheartedly welcome the news and look forward to a bright future for Poole."
Ray Williams, owner of the Candy Box Kiosk, Poole Quay, said:
"At last! The Poole bridge debate has been going on for so long, it will be great to start 2002 on such a positive note. As a small business on the Quay and a resident of Hamworthy I am only too aware of the problems caused by traffic congestion as a result of the old lifting bridge. I can’t wait for work to begin on the new one and the redevelopment of the Power Station land to begin alongside."
Carol Evans, Secretary of Poole Old Town Conservation Group, said:
"It is good news to learn that the new bridge project will be funded by
Central Government and allow the vacant land that has been standing idle for
too long to be put to good use. It is however far from clear that this
compromise will solve the acute traffic problems in the town and on the water"
Sarah Morgan, Chairman of Poole Town Centre Management Board, said:
"Great news, at last Poole will be able to stride ahead with their ambitious plans for the Town Centre. A new bridge will open the heart of the town and is bound to attract a lot of attention from developers and those wishing to invest in Poole. The knock-on effects for residents and visitors will mean better quality shopping and Town Centre facilities. The future looks very exciting, the Town Centre Management Board are delighted with the news."
John Barham, Hamworthy resident and member of Poole’s Disability Awareness Working Party, said:
"At last some good news for Poole, having lived in Hamworthy for 38 years with all the congestion caused by the old lifting bridge, it will be wonderful for future generations to benefit from a new bridge linking the area to the Town Centre and the opportunities for development which will come with it. The next few years will be an exciting chapter in Poole’s history."
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For further information please visit the regeneration area of our website or contact:
Ruth Lawson PR Officer (Media) tel: 01202 633295 or mobile: 07977 259269
Julie Nichols PR Officer (Corporate) tel: 01202 633029
Further Spokespeople:
Cllr Brian Clements, Leader of the Council
Cllr Bob Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council
Cllr Ann Stribley, Leader, Conservative Group
Cllr Brian Ellis, Leader, Labour Group
Robert Syms MP for Poole
Annette Brooke MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole
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