About the scheme

The multi million pound Townside and Hunger Hill improvement scheme has over the last few years transformed the town centre side of the Backwater Channel.

A major infrastructure investment project, covering the area between Hunger Hill and Poole Bridge (including West Street and West Quay Road) this scheme began in 2018, with works taking place over a number of phases. The majority of the improvements are now complete.

This scheme has helped to revitalising the area and enhance connectivity to the town centre. It has delivered an improved cycling and pedestrian network to encourage more reliable journey times and safeguard local air quality. Attractive public spaces, which enhance the quality of life for local people, have also been delivered.

Funding for this scheme was secured by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the government’s Local Growth Fund. £9.6m was specifically allocated towards the Townside and Hunger Hill improvement scheme.

Phase 1: 2018

This phase delivered a new signalised junction at Sterte Avenue West and provided a new pedestrian crossing on Holes Bay Road. To allow effective circulation of traffic between West Street and West Quay Road, Marston Road was reconfigured to permit two-way traffic.

Phase 2: 2018 - 2019

Improving efficiency and creating safer crossings points for pedestrians and cyclists, Hunger Hill roundabout was reconfigured into a new signalised junction. Changes to the direction of traffic on West Street (towards the bridges only) and West Quay Road (towards Hunger Hill only) were also made. The changes can be viewed in a simplified map.

These works were completed on time in July 2019.

Phase 3: 2018 - 2021

This final phase of works focused on improving links for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users from Hunger Hill to Poole Bridge. 

To create a new local identity, the final phase included landscaping and public realm improvements at Hunger Hill and on West Quay Road.

This included pavement art, on road graphics, street furniture and new wayfinding to orientate people, signpost places, enhance pedestrian routes and reveal the area’s shipbuilding, manufacturing and brewing heritage. QR codes were also placed at key points of interest. These link up with the existing Poole Trail and give people the opportunity to explore further historical information digitally. Devised by David Pierce from Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, a high proportion of the pieces were made locally in Poole or Dorset and have been developed following extensive engagement with stakeholders, local historians and Poole Museum.

Completed in 2020, an underused green space at Barbers Piles was redeveloped as a Maritime Garden, forming a destination at the southern end of Townside and serving as a quiet place for contemplation. At Hunger Hill, attractive and seasonal planting has also been delivered along with over thirty new trees to create a greener environment around the major transport intersection.

During this time plans for two new landmark gateway sculptures celebrating the town’s heritage were also approved.

Within this scheme £450,000 was allocated specifically to create attractive public spaces which enhance the quality of life for local people.

West Quay Wings

Situated on West Quay Road, between the two bridges at Barber Piles, the West Quay Wings art installation was successful installed in March 2021. This art installation is comprised of a flock of six shining stainless-steel birds in flight. Representing the wildlife of Poole Harbour they feature colourful inlaid glass and engravings celebrating local industrial heritage through the ages.

Bottle Knot

The installation of the second gateway sculpture at Hunger Hill will begin on Thursday 3 March 2022.

Designed by the artist Michael Condron this sculpture will be based on the form of a giant nautical knot, invoking Poole’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage. It will be made from stainless steel and illuminated internally by LED lighting. At dusk, this will captivate onlookers with light creeping through gaps in the overlapping metal surface.

Ideas for this sculpture were developed following extensive engagement with stakeholders, local historians, schools and Poole Museum over a number of years. Installation was originally due to take place in 2021, however this was postponed to due issues with the supply chain and Covid-19.

Once completed the sculpture will become an instantly recognisable local landmark for both residents and visitors traveling into and away from Poole.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the scheme, you can call us on 01202 128222 or email transportation@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.