Published on Friday 08 January 2021
Taking people on a journey from Poole Bridge, along key routes towards Hunger Hill and Towngate Bridge, an array of contemporary wayfinding pieces, stylish street furniture and gateway art sculptures is being installed in Poole.
Forming part of BCP Council’s Townside and Hunger Hill improvement scheme, the final phase of works aims to celebrate the area’s unique history and create a better environment for residents, businesses, community groups and visitors.
Alongside pavement art, on road graphics and street furniture, new wayfinding will orientate people, signpost places, enhance pedestrian routes and reveal the area’s shipbuilding, manufacturing and brewing heritage. They will also feature QR codes that link up with the existing Poole Trail, giving people the opportunity to explore further historical information digitally.
Devised by David Pierce from Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, a high proportion of the pieces have been made locally in Poole or Dorset and have been developed following extensive engagement with stakeholders, local historians and Poole Museum over the last few years. The programme of installation is due to be completed by Spring 2021.
Within the scheme, two major gateway sculptures designed by the artist Michael Condron will also be installed. The first, situated along West Quay road, will feature six stainless steel birds in flight, representing the wildlife of Poole Harbour and local metalworking heritage through the ages. The second sculpture at Hunger Hill will be based on the form of a rope knot made from steel and illuminated internally by LED lighting. At dusk, this will captivate onlookers with light subtly creeping through gaps in multiple overlapping metal segments. Together they will become memorable and instantly recognisable local landmarks.
Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said:
"A priority for the Council is to ensure that Poole remains an exciting place to live, work, study and play. The public art and wayfinding improvements to the gateway Townside area will create a new sense of intrigue, engagement and place, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to find out more about what makes the town so special. They will also complement the walking and cycling infrastructure which has already been delivered and support our wider plans for encouraging sustainable travel.’’
Completed last year, an underused green space at Barbers Piles has also been 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.