A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to carry out major works at Hunger Hill roundabout.

The project near Holes Bay is part of a major investment in Poole’s infrastructure by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mildren Construction has been awarded the contract, which aims to improve access to the Port of Poole and town centre and boost economic growth.

Works will be starting in early October 2018 and will involve the reconfiguration of the Hunger Hill junction to improve its efficiency, as well as the provision of more direct and safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. The direction of traffic on West Street (towards the bridges only) and West Quay Road (towards Hunger Hill only) will also change.

Two temporary bans on turns will be in place from October 7 to enable work to take place at the roundabout.

These are a temporary left hand turn ban from Hunger Hill roundabout to West Quay Road, and a temporary right hand turn ban from Hunger Hill roundabout to Towngate Bridge.

The council’s in-house Streetscene Team have also been appointed to carry out the final phase of the works, which will continue until 2020. This involves the completion of the links for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users from Hunger Hill to Poole Bridge, as well as extensive landscaping and public realm improvements in the area.

Julian McLaughlin, head of growth and infrastructure, Borough of Poole, said: “We are pleased that Mildren Construction have been awarded this project as they are a well established local contractor with a strong track record in construction excellence. They successfully delivered the Gravel Hill improvement scheme in 2016."

The work is also intended to support the redevelopment of sites along West Street and West Quay Road.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership secured £23.3 million through the Dorset Growth Deal to invest into four major transport schemes to improve access into and around the Port of Poole.

For further information on the project visit poole.gov.uk/townside.