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Poole's Twin Sails Bridge Prepares To Set Sail

It's official, the Poole's Twin Sails Bridge can be built after the Government agreed in principle to the second harbour crossing.

The decision was announced by the Secretary of State for Transport who agreed to make the Transport Works Act (TWA) Order as recommended by the Department of Transport's (DTI) Inspector following last year's Public Inquiry. The TWA Order is subject to a number of standard conditions relating to the development of the site, all of which had already been built into the Council's programme of works.

 A 42 day period for challenge for procedural aspects of the Order will now begin, and, if passed successfully, the Council will have the permission it needed to build the iconic Twin Sails Bridge across Holes Bay.

The town's second bridge will provide the vital second harbour crossing that will relieve traffic congestion, open up huge development opportunities on brownfield land and provide better access to the town centre and Poole Port.

The next phase of the project is to ensure the balance of funding and complete the detailed design of the bridge. The Government previously pledged £14.14 million towards the cost of the £34m scheme, subject to the bridge proposal obtaining full approval. The Government's regulations governing major schemes provided by local authorities will mean that there are still a number of further hurdles to overcome before construction of the bridge can begin. 

However, the granting of the Order is the go ahead the Council needs to be able to forge ahead with developing the detailed bridge design and commissioning the building of the bridge. The building work is programmed to begin in 2008.

Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council said: "After decades of campaigning and planning I am delighted that the Government has finally given permission for the Twin Sails Bridge to be built.  An immense amount of work and preparation has taken place to get this far and we still have a way to go before construction teams can move on site. However we now know that the day when Poole realises its dream of a second harbour crossing is not far off and for the first time we can put a date to when we hope to start  building."

Andrew Flockhart, Strategic Director at the Borough of Poole said: "Being granted the Transport and Works Act Order is, undoubtedly, a key milestone in the Twin Sails project.  However there is still much work to do.  We are having positive discussions with private landowners, developers and the Government to secure the land and the funding package for the bridge.  Nonetheless, this is the news we need to get the ball rolling and we look forward to making the vision a reality."

Councillor Mike Brooke, Leader of the Liberal Democrats said: "This day has been a long time coming and will hopefully mark the start of an exciting new era for the town. We recognise that it is still very early days with delivering the bridge,  and will continue to support the huge regeneration opportunities that lie ahead. These include leading the way in environmentally friendly design and construction."

Katharine Teed, Communications, Borough of Poole on 01202 633295