Poole's Twin Sails bridge: the wait is over (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Poole's Twin Sails bridge: the wait is over
6:30am Monday 27th February 2012 in News By Katie Clark
First steps taken over Poole's Twin Sails bridge
THE first people have walked across Poole’s iconic new £37million bridge.
Thousands flocked to the Twin Sails Bridge Community Weekend to watch history in the making and cross the imposing structure.
After more than 30 years of campaigning to get a second harbour crossing, it’s hoped it will open up brownfield land and lead to around 2,000 homes and 5,000 jobs in the next 10 – 15 years.
Crowds watched the leaves lift and lower once, before Mayor Graham Wilson led the first group across on Saturday morning.
Cllr Wilson, who cut the ribbon using the scissors from the opening of the lifting bridge in 1927, said: “This is an historic day we are witnessing.
“This iconic bridge is for the future of Poole and our young people.
“It is an absolute honour to be here with you today to cut this ribbon. As a local person it is really great.”
He then led the Civic Party across, joined by his ‘People’s Champions’ including paralympian swimmer Ben Clarke, members of Poole UKYP and volunteers from community groups.
On reaching the Hamworthy side, Cllr Wilson said: “This certainly is a bridge to the future.
“I’m hoping Hamworthy will see a large improvement in its facilities.”
Members of the public were then allowed to explore the bridge and buy a commemorative certificate, produced by Poole’s three Rotary Clubs in aid of local charities.
Council leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson said: “I think it highlights Poole on the global stage.
“Poole has always been an ambitious town.
“I believe this iconic structure will bring more jobs to Poole.
“Four regeneration sites will be opened up and I believe there will be some excellent developments, housing and employment opportunities.
“It will also make an absolutely fantastic place to enjoy while walking around the harbour, making Poole very distinct.”
‘Bridge champion’ Cllr Brian Clements, who was council leader 12 years ago when a previous high level bridge plan was scrapped, said he was “elated” and “thrilled” to cross the bridge at last.
“The bridge has always been seen as more than a catalyst, but an initial part of regenerating this part of Poole,” Cllr Clements said.
“The real challenge now is to make sure that is done in an appropriate way. If that can reflect the same quality as the bridge, then wow we have done it.
“Development should not be done at any price – we must push for quality to secure Poole’s long term future.”
Nearly 85 years ago, Sue Tarrant’s grandfather Mayor Herbert Carter opened the Poole Bridge.
Sue said: “My aunt accompanied him with her Jack Russell, called ‘Pompey’ “She used to tell me the story and it’s something that’s always intrigued me.”
The 57-year-old, who now lives in Wareham, added: “I think the bridge is very impressive.
“It’s certainly different from the other one. I’m hoping it will help Poole and be good for the town.”
Residents formed a human chain by holding hands across the bridge yesterday, before it closed again.
Workers from contractor Hochtief UK Construction Limited are putting the finishing touches to the bridge before drivers are allowed to use it.
Jim Bright, Borough of Poole’s Strategic Director, said: “The bridge is looking fantastic and our contractor is working hard on the finishing touches that will make it such a stunning addition to Poole’s skyline.
“As soon as this work is completed and the bridge is formally handed over to the council, we intend to fully open it to road traffic at the earliest opportunity.”
Comments(29)
Baywolf
says...
7:40am Mon 27 Feb 12
hamworthygirl
says...
8:22am Mon 27 Feb 12
Baywolf wrote:I thought the same as i was expresing my views to others about not having a fixed bridge and why, no one said anything negative. As I said we shall see how good it is at relieving the traffic through the blandford road, but we are stuck with it now so have to make the most of the change of scenery when I walk.
Amazingly no dissenters were ever interviewed on the television news coverage, it is not what all the residents of Poole wanted, the councillors lauding it failed to tell viewers it will take at least 8 years for the brown fill sight to be completed, and no mention at all of the increase in the traffic using these bridges the housing and offices will create, and complete silence of the annual costs of maintaining both. Good PR councillors typical torie rhetoric.
Old Colonial
says...
9:05am Mon 27 Feb 12
That is why money should have been spent on a fixed span bridge.
"....that will make it such a stunning addition to Poole’s skyline." No. It will be visible only briefly every few hours.
Packersfan
says...
10:28am Mon 27 Feb 12
static kill
says...
10:32am Mon 27 Feb 12
Mike R-B
says...
10:48am Mon 27 Feb 12
.............
Mike R-B
says...
10:57am Mon 27 Feb 12
I forsee failures due to the high winds we now experience will be effecting the erect sails.
TinyLegacy
says...
12:14pm Mon 27 Feb 12
udaku
says...
1:27pm Mon 27 Feb 12
The cycle lane could easily be linked to the track behind Woodlands Avenue to Cobbs Quay then on to Upton Country Park to complete a Holes Bay route.
Not good for boats leaving Holes Bay though, surely there's not enough room between the bridges for one up one down strategy.
Now can we have the footbridge over the railway line into Ham Park please. All the political parties said it was a priority before the election.
The Twin Sails Bridge is great, well done all involved !
Old Colonial
says...
2:04pm Mon 27 Feb 12
Cookie75
says...
2:48pm Mon 27 Feb 12
Always quick to criticise.
Everything's perfect in their make believe world.
If you got nothing constructive or good to say then just bloody well shut up!
Sick to the back teeth of professional moaners with absolutely nothing to say in the slightest
Start concentrating and focusing your energies on your less than perfect lives first
Old Harry
says...
3:15pm Mon 27 Feb 12
O'Reilly
says...
4:43pm Mon 27 Feb 12
bourne free
says...
5:19pm Mon 27 Feb 12
Hooper123
says...
6:54pm Mon 27 Feb 12
It looks amazing at night and will be sure to give confidence to potential investors in the area!
Good job!
Old Harry
says...
7:19pm Mon 27 Feb 12
/news/uk-england-dor
set-17166084
portia6
says...
7:50pm Mon 27 Feb 12
taking place lets hope the
houses and shops will bring
young families into our historic
town!
bourne free
says...
9:40pm Mon 27 Feb 12
The Cerne Giant
says...
10:28pm Mon 27 Feb 12
Poole is a wonderful enviorment to enjoy and reside within
Our town fathers work wonders and I applaud them
Yep, the bridge could have been strung across Holes Bay, even started at the bunnie rabbit haven, Canford Bottom
What we got is just about hunky-dory
Rejoice you Evening Echo trolls and behave
Dr Strangelove
says...
11:51pm Mon 27 Feb 12
portia6 wrote:Yes but I doubt there will be many houses. It will be flats flats flats. If there is more than 15% then you know that this is all about developers making large sums of money and nothing about poole or the people of poole. Just remember who is responsible for this at the next local election.
Regeneration of Poole is now
taking place lets hope the
houses and shops will bring
young families into our historic
town!
Glashen
says...
11:53pm Mon 27 Feb 12
Old Harry wrote:To be fair the Echo carried the story that the Bridge would not be opening to traffic today (Monday the 27th) on the 22nd of February and that information is repeated in the above story. The BBC report doesn't add anything new.
About time the Echo updated this story. The BBC broke news of the current problems at 9.09 AM today, see http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-dor
set-17166084
Dr Strangelove
says...
11:59pm Mon 27 Feb 12
bourne free wrote:bourne free yes jobs are exactly what the younger generation need but the current government are wrecking the UK economy to prop up the housing market. Home owner by any chance hope you know that most youngsters will have a very slim chance of property ownership. I have seen a lot recently and completely don't blame then for giving up. So long as you've got your castle!!!
portia6 -- Jobs is what is needed not more young families scrounging of the state ?
hamworthygirl
says...
4:23am Tue 28 Feb 12
Cookie75 wrote:Rather harsh comments we as locals, are just expressing opinions which I think are valid. Not being pious at all, just stating our reservations of how good the new bridge will be once the traffic is up and running. I will be the first to "eat my words" if im wrong.
Great to see the pious moaners are out in force
Always quick to criticise.
Everything's perfect in their make believe world.
If you got nothing constructive or good to say then just bloody well shut up!
Sick to the back teeth of professional moaners with absolutely nothing to say in the slightest
Start concentrating and focusing your energies on your less than perfect lives first
Dr knowS best
says...
8:44am Tue 28 Feb 12
Ease in traffic.
It's great well done Poole
Reader Echo
says...
10:17am Tue 28 Feb 12
It is wishful thinking if you think the property prices will rise because of this folly. Furthermore there is good chance that we will see an increase in traffic congestion. Particularly with any reliability problems with the bridge and the bad managing of the traffic schemes.
bourne free
says...
5:47pm Tue 28 Feb 12
moldy john mole
says...
7:57pm Tue 28 Feb 12
one can hear St James church bells.
portia6
says...
12:29am Wed 29 Feb 12
Strangelove tell Elaine Atkinson
head of Poole Borough!
Bring in Mary Portas!
hamworthygirl says...
6:47am Mon 27 Feb 12