Work on Poole’s £37 million Twin Sails Bridge project could start in the spring of 2010.
Borough of Poole has received tenders from six shortlisted contractors to build the town’s much-needed second harbour crossing.
Tenders for the project were submitted at the end of October 2009 and the council is now assessing the cost and quality of each bid. At the same time, the council is seeking final approval from the Department for Transport for a £14.1million grant to help fund the project. Similar approval is also being sought for a £9.96 million loan from the South West Regional Development Agency.
An announcement on the award of the contract for the construction of Twin Sails Bridge is expected in early 2010, following a special meeting of the full council in January.
Subject to councillors’ approval, the 20-month construction project will start in the spring of 2010, with the Twin Sails Bridge scheduled to open to the public before the end of 2011.
New images of the Twin Sails Bridge illustrates how the bridge will look and operate once it opens. The images show the lifting bridge in various stages of its iconic ‘Twin Sails’ position.
Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy, Borough of Poole, said: "The high quality of the submissions received by the council demonstrates the high degree of interest from some of the UK and Europe’s leading construction companies in such an exciting and iconic project.
"The Twin Sails Bridge will give Poole the much-needed second harbour crossing that residents and businesses have called for over many years. We are also confident it will prove to be the catalyst for other regeneration projects that will create jobs and transform our town centre in the years ahead."
Councillor Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "The Twin Sails Bridge is a special bridge for a special town and I am sure that in years to come it will be viewed as symbol of Poole’s ambition. It will unlock the huge potential of the brownfield sites at the heart of our community and help the council address the important issues of employment and affordable housing for the town."
The Twin Sails Bridge project could create up to 5,000 jobs and will allow the development of 26 hectares of brownfield land for new homes, offices, shops, community and leisure facilities.
Ian Turner
