A piece of Bournemouth’s history has been discovered during construction works at a key town centre regeneration site.
Three Towns Travel construction workers at Horseshoe Common have come across horseshoe shaped foundations which were part of Bournemouth’s original tramway system dating back to 1902.
And now, the historical artefacts, which are approximately one metre deep, will be recreated into an exciting piece of art and displayed at Horseshoe Common as part of the completed improvements.
Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “When completing works such as Horseshoe Common, we do on occasion find historical items like Bournemouth’s tram lines. It’s great that we’re able to incorporate these into the scheme’s final design and share a piece of the town’s history with residents and visitors alike.”
As part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s Three Towns Travel programme, Horseshoe Common is undergoing a package of street improvements.
Councillor Filer, added; “Once complete the overall improvementswill make it easier, safer and more attractive for those living, working and visiting Horseshoe Common; as well as complementing the ongoing regeneration to increase the vitality of this area.”
Peter Kazmierczak, Senior Bournemouth Librarian said, “The tramways are an exciting part of Bournemouth’s history and it’s great that we’ve rediscovered the original foundations.
“The first trams ran in Bournemouth on the 23 July 1902, from Lansdowne to Boscombe. The system mostly picked up the electric power from overhead wires, which was the preferred method to the conduit system. It was not until 1936 that the trams were replaced with the fondly remembered trolleybuses.”
To ensure the tramway foundations are resurrected without damage and additional time is taken to break out large volumes of surrounding concrete; the original timetable has been revised and works are now expected to be complete by the end of September 2014. Access to local businesses will be maintained throughout and they will still be open for trading.
Between the 23 August and 1 September site works will be suspended, in order to minimise disruption during the Air Festival.
