THE architect behind the new bridge which will connect Clydebank and Yoker with Renfrew has revealed the inspiration behind the project.
Tony Kettle, who previously designed buildings and landmarks across the globe including the Falkirk Wheel and Europe’s tallest building, jumped at the chance to take charge of the Clyde’s newest crossing.
Tony said: “It’s fantastic to work closer to home. It means more if you are given a chance to contribute to improving people’s lives close to where you live.
“It was a rare opportunity to celebrate all that is special about this place, to remind people of the rich industrial heritage that occurred on both banks of the Clyde.
“What better way to celebrate it than with a new innovative moving structure."
The new bridge is due to open this Autumn, and it is shipbuilding which is the main inspiration in its design.
It will connect all three areas directly for the first time, with the aim being to improve work, health, education, and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river.
“The Renfrew Bridge is both a physical and symbolic connection, a celebration of the coming together of two communities that will undoubtedly benefit from having closer ties," he continued.
“It will create a gateway and a destination that should bring more people together to enjoy the riverbank and celebrate the history and rich cultural heritage that they share.
“It will clearly improve transport connections between Clydebank, Yoker and Renfrew, but it will also give a focus and raise the profile of the towns as people and businesses are attracted to one of the longest span cable-stayed opening bridges in the world.
“It’s fantastic to see the bridge in the flesh and I’m honoured and immensely grateful to the engineers and fabricators for their skills and ingenuity to make it a reality.
“People will be proud, and it will be a real landmark for the area and the seed for much wider regeneration.”
The new bridge is a key part of the £117million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project being led by Renfrewshire Council.
The project is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal.
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