The next time you visit Poole Quay, you won’t fail to spot a flock of six shining stainless-steel birds in flight.

Situated on West Quay Road, between the two bridges at Barber Piles, the West Quay Wings art installation is the first of two gateway sculptures planned for the Townside area.

During the day the birds in flight sculpture will reflect both colour and light. Each bird is engraved with images representing different aspects of Poole’s history from boat building to maritime trade, chemistry, foundries, potteries and the lava lamp (the inventor of which was based in Poole).

Designed by the artist Michael Condron, the sculptures form part of BCP Council’s Townside and Hunger Hill infrastructure improvement scheme.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability, said, “The West Quay Wings artwork will create a unique sense of identity, movement and intrigue along this key connecting route through Poole, catching the attention of residents and passers-by.

“Representing different aspects of Poole’s heritage, they will also invite people to find out more about their local area and explore it on foot or bike. This will complement the improved walking and cycling facilities.”

A second gateway sculpture will be installed at Hunger Hill this summer.

It will be in the form of a rope knot made from stainless steel and illuminated internally by LED lighting. At dusk, the effect will captivate onlookers with light subtly creeping through gaps in multiple overlapping metal segments.

In addition to these sculptures, contemporary wayfinding pieces and stylish street furniture is also being installed throughout Townside. Devised by David Pierce from Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, a high proportion of these pieces have been made locally in Poole or Dorset