News

Council Supports Twin Sails Funding Proposal

Plans for the £40 million Twin Sails Bridge project in Poole have taken a major step forward following a meeting of councillors.

At a special meeting of the full council, councillors voted to support plans for a new funding package that could see work on the project start in 2009.

The proposal would see the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) working in partnership with the council to deliver a second harbour crossing for Poole.

Borough of Poole has submitted a bid for funding from SWRDA's £80 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).

SWRDA has given provisional approval for the bid to support the Twin Sails project. A final decision will be made by SWRDA's main board in January.

Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole, said: "The council's decision to support this proposal has given us the best opportunity we are likely to get in the foreseeable future to build the second crossing that Poole desperately needs.

"In this time of economic uncertainty, the Twin Sails project will see millions of pounds pumped into the local economy providing jobs and a welcome boost to the construction industry."

SWRDA's RIF package would provide Borough of Poole with a £10 million loan that the council would repay using proceeds from the future development of regeneration sites, including the former Hamworthy Power Station.

Cllr Leverett said: "We have put in place all practical safeguards to ensure the repayment of the RIF package will not fall on council taxpayers. The future development of regeneration sites will ultimately still pay for the bridge."

If a final agreement is reached with SWRDA and landowners JJ Gallagher, the council will be able to commence its procurement process early in 2009 with a view to starting construction work on the project by the end of the year.