A Saturday workshop was held for Poole businesses, residents associations, voluntary groups, fishing associations and environmental organisations to view proposals for the bridge, and surrounding regeneration of the West Quay area, and the Power Station site. About 100 people attended, and debate got lively at times.

The bridge was set in context of the development land surrounding it, and that in all, over 50 acres of previously used (brown field) land is available close to the centre of Poole. This presents a unique opportunity to shape the town for the next 100 years. The high bridge originally designed would not now be built, but would have taken more land, and done little for the town, or for encouraging Tourists to stop and visit.

The morning was spent rating good and poor aspects of Poole as it is now. Following a presentation of the design work the council had been preparing, groups discussed what was felt important in the redevelopment, in areas of access and movement, community and economic well being, environmental quality, and feeling safe and secure.

There was a strong view for public access along the waterfront (walking and cycling), and the freedom for all to enjoy the quayside, whether spending money or not. Some of the building designs shown incorporated fuel efficient designs, and included solar panels and orientation to catch the sun. These were organised around a quadrangle, with shops/offices on the ground floor, and offices/houses/flats above. Green public space was called for, and a 'beach/park' was included in the plans on the Hamworthy side. Safety and security was not seen as a driving force by attendees.

The council does not own any of this land, but hopes that in providing a blueprint, that developers will be inspired and constrained to take account of designs which enable public access, and present street frontages with shops and interest rather than car parks, blank walls and large tin huts.

The afternoon was spent discussing the bridge and approach roads. Many attendees were still keen for the original high bridge, and councillors indicated that even talks with the shadow Transport Minister (Robert Key) indicated that in government, they would not support the design any more than the current administration. The current bridge is lifted 7 times a day at predetermined times, and 10 more on demand from commercial vessels. The proposal is to continue to use the old bridge in tandem with the new one, and to only allow 7 predetermined lifts. Most of the waterborne traffic is at weekends, and more lifts would be arranged then. The two bridges would work like a lock, such that whilst one is up, the other is available for vehicles. Most of the moorings between would be moved to the new haven, so avoiding the bridges completely.

On the Hamworthy side, the lower part of Blandford Road would probably be closed off (below Rigler Road) with a new access road behind the Pilkingtons tile factory. In response to questions it was suggested that the night time lorry ban could be made 24 hour except access once the new bridge was in place. Only 10% of traffic crossing the current bridge goes to the port, although clearly this peaks either side of a ship departure.

On the Poole side, a gyratory using West Street, West Quay Road and seas of traffic lights seemed to be in prospect. Zebra crossings and an area wide 20mph limit were suggested alternatives. The vast majority of traffic goes between the bottom of the Holes Bay road and the flyover to the George roundabout, and a one way system down West Street to the new bridge at Wilkins Way and back up West Quay Road was proposed. Electronic signs would advise travellers which bridge to use, being a 300 yard detour rather than the current 5 mile round trip. Mysteriously, a further road would be cut through by (or over) the Sea Scouts hut. Their representative was understandably livid, and did not want to be relocated across the bridge, even to the old Flying Boat hut.

Concern was expressed that housing should be provided for Poole people and not second homes for yuppies. The council officers responded that the style of housing proposed would be unlikely to attract second homers, particularly entire units with commercial premises at the bottom. Concerns were also raised that quay related activities would be squeezed out by retail outlets and restaurants. Part of the attraction of Poole Quay is the variety of maritime activities, sadly already loosing much of its variety, but aside from suggesting current users would be keen to move and make money from their properties, few assurances were made.

Overall it was a most informative day. Discussion in the afternoon became a bit bogged down, but the floor was open for opinions, and there was no shortage of these. The Council are to be congratulated for an imaginary scheme to revitalise the West Quay, and unlock the potential of the Power Station site. Wider public consultation is planned, and much more water will flow before there is another bridge for it to go under.

Andy Hadley

Poole Agenda 21

Attending on behalf of PCVS