Bridge and waterfront remains closed at Poole Park
It's set to stay that way until the middle of next month
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
A bridge and waterfront at Poole Park remains closed until mid-December due to challenges in ongoing repair works.
The sluice channel at Baiter, was built in the 1960s, and is a vital water link between Poole Park Lagoon and Poole Harbour which supports the local ecosystem and water management.
Essential repair works to reconstruct the structure of the sluice channel after the piling became heavily corroded started on July 21. As part of the works the segregated footpath and cycle track along the waterfront at Whitecliff and Baiter has been connected.
The repair is crucial for maintaining the lagoon’s water quality and high salinity, which is vital for the rare wildlife inhabiting the area and throughout the works salt water is being pumped from the harbour to Poole Park lagoon to maintain the water quality and all machinery used has been operated on marine friendly bio-oil.
The project is being funded for by the Community Infrastructure Levy with an additional £60,210 from the Active Travel Fund.
The work has been scheduled to take place over the summer months to avoid disturbance to overwintering birds in Poole Harbour, which is a protected habitat.
Due to ‘technical challenges’ which include adding extra support for stability the timeline for the repairs has been extended and the projected is now expected to finish on December 12.
Keyhole Bridge and footpaths around the sluice channel will remain closed until December 12.
Cllr Andy Martin, BCP Council cabinet member for customer, communications and culture, said: “Significant progress has been made on reconstructing the Baiter sluice channel, with most work now complete. The timeline was extended slightly to address technical challenges, including crane adjustments and extra bracing for stability essential for safety and quality. The project is now in its final phase, with remaining equipment being removed.
“Keyhole Bridge will stay closed to vehicles until Friday 12 December at the latest, after which it will reopen.
“For safety, the paths around Baiter Sluice Channel also remains closed. The new footpath and cycleway are expected to open by 12 December, connecting the active travel route between Whitecliff and Baiter.
“Once finished, the project will protect Poole Park’s salt-water lagoon—an important wildlife haven and recreational space for years to come.”