The Story So Far
For over 30 years, people in Poole have been campaigning for a second harbour crossing. A changing economy has brought about the need for an urban renaissance of Poole's Central Area, which will secure housing, employment and other benefits in line with the Government's agenda.
1980s
Dorset County Council undertook some preliminary investigation and design work.
1990s
The scheme was included in the Central Government's Trunk Road Programme, Poole Council became much more active in its campaigning and an international design competition brought the scheme to the fore nationally.
May 1997
The General Election brought a change of political power. A review of the Trunk Road programme was announced and the Council submitted its case for a second harbour crossing, which reflected the new government's policy criteria:
- integrated transport - linking port, road and rail
- environmental benefits - recycling 50 acres of brownfield sites - reducing local congestion and CO2 emissions
- sustainable development - mixed use on the sites will lead to significant job creation
- improve safety - keeping heavy port related traffic away from the Town Centre
- improve accessibility - both to the town and to Europe
1998
As part of the review, the Government dropped the town's proposal of a £44million fixed bridge across Holes Bay and the A31-Poole Link Road. A 25,000 strong petition was presented to Government but to no avail.
1999
Undeterred, the Borough of Poole went back to basics, working with consultants KPMG and Terence O'Rourke, to find a viable alternative.
2000
Alternative harbour crossings were investigated.
July 2000
Over 4,000 people took part in a two-day exhibition to study the Council's proposals for a new harbour crossing. 911 returned feedback forms and of these, 75% supported Poole Council's preferred scheme for a second lifting bridge. A bid was made in the Local Transport Plan submitted to Central Government.
Autumn 2000
The Council worked with consultants and key partners including Poole Harbour Commissioners and Town Centre Management to begin a close study of Poole's Central Area. Key issues were identified and grouped under four broad headings that became the main principles for development.
December 2000
Government welcomed Poole's bid and asked for more detailed information on how the proposed plans would match the Government's criteria to support local regeneration.
March 2001
Over 100 people from Town Centre businesses, residents groups, education and the voluntary sector attended a one-day 'Stakeholders' workshop. Topics discussed included road networks, types of bridge, locations and people supported the main principles for development, wanting a safe, pedestrian-friendly town with access across and through the Town Centre and waterside, more public open space and a consideration for maritime users. Buildings for amenities, homes and businesses had to respect the character of Poole.
April 2001
A public exhibition held in the Dolphin Shopping Centre presented the proposals for developing the area around the proposed new bridge. Approximately 2,000 people visited the exhibition to hear about the plans and there was an overwhelming support for the opportunities presented.
Summer 2001
Councillors, planners and consultants worked on the Local Plan, developing more detailed plans for sites around the Poole Central Area, which could be developed within the proposed scheme. The Council submitted additional information to Government with illustrated plans of Poole Central Area.
November 2001
Poole Local Plan was revised, setting out the policies for development in the town until 2011. It incorporated proposals for the regeneration scheme including detailed land use, transport and urban design policies and how developments would look in terms of height, scale, spaces and public access.
December 2001
After over 30 years of campaigning by local people, the Government confirmed funding of £14.14million towards a second harbour crossing for Poole and it's dream of a 21st century bridge came a step closer.
August 2002
Advertisements were placed in national and specialist media to attract design proposals for Poole's second harbour crossing. They attracted a number of world class design teams. Four Design Teams were shortlisted: Gifford & Partners, McDowell & Benedetti, Posford Haskoning and Ian Ritchie Architects.
September 2002
Supplementary Planning Guidance demonstrated the Council's aspirations for the largest project Poole faced for a generation and expanded on policies in the Poole Local Plan.
December 2002
World class Gifford & Partners with Wilkinson Eyre Architects and mechanical engineer Bennett were appointed by the Borough of Poole as the design team for Poole's new bridge.
January 2003
Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report published.
February 2003
B+Buk landscape architects were selected as the Council's design team to develop ideas, on how Poole's streets and open spaces will look in the future, as part of the town's regeneration.
June 2003
The Council, with B+Buk, carried out further consultation with local people.
July 2003
The Council, with Gifford, carried out further consultation on the design developments of the bridge.
Summer 2003
In-depth environmental studies and on going design work is taking place on and around the harbour.
Spring 2004
Local people, land owners and partners study the results of environmental studies as part of a major consultation on the Draft Environmental Assessment which examines how the impact of the new bridge can be minimised. The results of the consultation will be used to produce the final Environmental Statement in the summer, an essential part of the application to Government to build the new bridge.
Autumn 2004
The Council submit a Transport and Works Act Order 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 which opened on 27th September 2005 until 21st October 2005, with the Inspectors recommendation and conclusion submitted to the Secretary of State December 2005.
August 2006
Secretary of State Department for Transport (DfT) grant Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and deemed planning permission for the Poole Harbour opening bridges.
December 2006
Submission of DfT Conditional Approval for grant draw-down.
February 2007
DfT Conditional Aprroval granted.
Spring 2007
Regeneration Core Scheme tender procedure commences with notice for declarations of interest in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
Autumn 2007
Regeneration Core Scheme tender assessment period is deferred pending confirmation of private sector contributions to the Scheme.
What happens next:
- Borough of Poole submit preferred tenderer option and bid price to DfT for full and final approval of the scheme.
- If successful in securing DfT funding and Section 106 developer contributions then construction will begin on site.
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