New artwork on the footbridge to Poole is part of a £450,000 ‘public places improvement scheme’

An art installation depicting a ‘bottle knot’ on a rope will be completed in Poole in the coming days, despite initial setbacks.

The artwork, created by artist Michael Condron, was conceived after Poole City Council asked local residents what improvements they wanted to see in the area in 2018.

According to the Council (now the BCP Council), those consulted asked for “gateway elements” to mark their arrival and departure between Poole Harbor and the town centre.

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The idea for the Bottle Knot sculpture came about following discussions with stakeholders, local historians, schools and the Poole Museum and aims to capture Poole’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage.

Work on the installation of the Bottle Knot sculpture began on Thursday, March 3, and appears to be nearing completion.

The project was originally scheduled to be completed in 2021, but was postponed due to Covid-19 and supply chain issues.

The work was built as part of the Townside and Hunger Hill Improvement Program by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the government’s Local Growth Fund.

£450,000 has been allocated specifically for improving public spaces between Poole Bridge and the Hunger Hill junction.

Other projects undertaken under the program include new street furniture, trees, plantings and signage. It was also used to fund the West Quay Wings artwork at Barbers Piles, also created by Michael Kondron.

The BCP council says these changes are aimed at regenerating the area for local people to enjoy and instill a sense of pride in the place.

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Cllr Steve Baron, Principal Member of Poole Rejuvenation & Regeneration, said: “It is great to see the work underway to install our new iconic walkway sculpture for the Hunger Hill area of ​​Poole.

“Made of stainless steel and taking the shape of a rope bottle knot, it will celebrate the region’s unique maritime and shipbuilding heritage. It will also be illuminated inside with LED lights, making it visible and eye-catching at dusk and night.

“This work of art marks the conclusion of a program which over the past few years has brought a series of improvements to local walking and cycling infrastructure, as well as a more attractive public realm.

“His addition will help to generate further a sense of pride and complement our wider regeneration plans for Poole – making the area an ideal place to live, work, study, visit and play.

More information about the project can be found here.

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