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25 Apr 01

RESIDENTS SHAPE FUTURE OF POOLE: Public Exhibition at Dolphin Shopping Centre 27-28 April 2001

Residents of Poole will have an important opportunity to shape the future of their town this week when the Council unveils its vision of how Poole could develop over the next 10 to 15 years.

Visitors to a special exhibition at the Dolphin Shopping Centre on 27 and 28 April will have the chance to see detailed drawings of how Poole could look in the future. There will also be an explanation of changes to the road system and of how Poole's new lifting bridge will work in conjunction with the existing one.

The focus of the exhibition is on 4 guiding principles which will govern the future development of Poole. These principles will form the basis of a masterplan, within which new development proposals must conform.

Over 100 representatives of residents associations, businesses, transport, environmental and other community groups have helped in the development of the principles. Now it is the turn of residents to give their comments.

Cllr Bob Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council said: "Poole's new bridge will generate opportunities for the redevelopment of over 30 hectares of disused land in and around central Poole and Lower Hamworthy. Regeneration of these areas will undoubtedly bring huge benefits but we need to make sure that Poole gets the type of development that it wants, not what developers will otherwise try to thrust upon us."

Cllr Ann Stribley, Conservative Group Leader, said: "For very many years a second harbour crossing has been Poole's highest priority, in order to improve access to the port and reduce congestion in Hamworthy and the Town Centre.
Any proposal which achieves these essential elements has our absolute and unqualified support. Whilst the new plans may certainly produce much-needed and exciting redevelopment, my only concern is that they do not add to the existing, frustrating and economy-stifling congestion we currently suffer."

Cllr Bob O'Mahoney, Deputy Labour Group Leader, said: "Poole has the opportunity to create the type of place that is the envy of many. I hope that our residents will sign up to this vision and make it happen. These principles will encourage creative and innovative designs for new buildings and open spaces, whilst safeguarding our unique natural environment and all that is special to Poole."

The 4 principles underlying the masterplan will be based along the themes of:

· Access and movement - balancing the desire for a pedestrian friendly environment with motorists' needs for reliable journey times.
· Environmental quality - allowing the development of quality new buildings and public spaces, whilst respecting Poole's superb natural environment.
· Safety and security - creating an environment where people feel safe.
· Economic and community well being - investing in new housing, business and leisure opportunities for both residents and visitors.

Nigel Jacobs, Planning Officer