Twin Sails bridge at Poole Harbour

For those who know Poole Harbour well, access to Holes Bay (at the northern end of the harbour) has always been problematic, with access limited only to regular opening times through Poole Bridge. At the moment there is little for yachts to do above Poole Bridge, other than to explore more of the harbour, but Cobbs Quay Marina does have visitor’s berths available. Although uniting the town of Poole with Hamworthy the new Twin Sails Bridge will at the same time create one more obstacle for visitors to Holes Bay. There will, however, be huge development opportunities for the town and coordination of bridge openings should minimise this further obstacle for the curious yachtsman.

Construction is now under way, the bridge design having been conceived as far back as 2002. The design was the winning entry in an international design competition in 2002. It was designed by the Wilkinson Eyre Architect’s team that produced the ‘blinking eye’ Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which opened in 2001.

The Twin Sails Bridge will be the first bridge of its type to be built. It is a world class design which was chosen to symbolise the aspirations of the town. The bridge, which will work in conjunction with the existing bridge, consists of two carriageways, two cycle lanes and two footways.

To allow the unrestricted passage of boats through the navigation channel the lift spans are pivoted through 88 degrees. It is anticipated that the bridges will lift approximately 15 times per day and marine signs will be introduced for boats using the Backwater Channel.

During the lifting sequence vessels’ journey through the bridges will be controlled by mandatory vessel traffic signals located on the bridges. When the bridges are not in operation, smaller vessels will be allowed to freely pass under the bridges, as they do under the existing bridge at present.

The design of the bridge includes art features and use of tactile materials that help make the crossing a pleasant experience for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Various types of second harbour crossings have been considered in the past, including links across Holes Bay or Backwater Channel with a bridge or causeway, links alongside the existing bridge, a low level fixed link or fixed bridge, relocation of Cobbs Quay Marina, and doing nothing other than making some improvements to traffic movements and public transport.

Obstacles to these options included lack of land, the impact on sediment in the Backwater Channel, interruption to water flow, obstruction to yacht access to Cobbs Quay Marina and access to the RNLI, and negative physical and visual impact on the area.

The other options either did not meet the objectives of the scheme or would have significant impact on ecology. The Twin Sails concept provides a flat, unobtrusive crossing which does not detract from the open, flat aspect of Holes Bay, and when the bridge opens, it creates an iconic structure providing a visual spectacle for the community.

Twin Sails will provide:

  • the enabling of the regeneration of the former power station site and parts of Poole town centre
  • safer provision for cyclists, pedestrians and disabled people
  • improved access to health and community facilities for the local population and less disruption from bridge maintenance
  • improved reliability for buses and reduced delays for emergency services 
  • improved access to the port.