The new Broomielaw - Tradeston Bridge has opened, providing an
important pedestrian and cycle link across the river from Tradeston
into the heart of the Glasgow's International Financial Services
District.
Constructed as part of an overall £33 million regeneration
project in Tradeston, other elements involved raising and
strengthening existing 100-year-old quay walls and creating new
open space and walkways for the public.
Spanning just over 106 metres, the Tradeston Bridge is an
essential component of the development programme for the Tradeston
area and was built with funding secured on the basis of the future
investment it will encourage on both sides of the river.
Linking Tradeston in the south of the river with the
International Financial Services District (IFSD) and the city
centre, the bridge provides an improved cycle and pedestrian route,
while creating a focal point for the quayside area, with future
development potential.
The regeneration project was funded by Glasgow City Council,
Scottish Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.
Councillor Purcell said: "The Tradeston Bridge and the wider
scheme to develop new public places will act as a catalyst for
future regeneration of the Tradeston area.
"It is important that the public purse continues to invest in
the city's infrastructure at this difficult time to bolster
Glasgow's economy and pave the way for future development along the
Clyde waterfront."
"This project will also enhance the award winning
International Financial Services District by providing an easily
accessible link to this area, for both residents and visitors to
Glasgow, and provide a recreational quarter for the public."
Stephen Gallagher, managing director commercial and
infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise, said: "The opening of the
new Tradeston Bridge is a key milestone in the ongoing
transformation of the Clyde waterfront area and provides a vital
link between Tradeston and Glasgow's International Financial
Services District.
"Enhancing direct accessibility between the north and south
banks of the river will encourage future investment and maximise
the economic development potential of the area by helping to create
a vibrant and dynamic waterfront with international appeal.
"The bridge and the public realm works add significantly to the
attractiveness of Scottish Enterprise landholdings nearby at 236
and 220 Broomielaw."
As with many civil engineering projects much of the work and
investment has taken place below ground and therefore cannot be
seen, but it is crucial and acts as a necessary platform to allow
the aesthetic finishes such as the bridge and the landscaping
elements to be created.
The expansion and strengthening, and in some cases replacement
of the quay walls, on both sides of the river and the new walkways
were designed and supervised by engineering consultants WS Atkins
plc and constructed by Graham Construction Ltd.
Civil engineering contractor BAM Nuttall Ltd oversaw the design
and build of the unique fin shaped bridge with engineering
consultants Halcrow working alongside architects Dissing and
Weitling to design and construct the bridge.
Dubbed the 'Squiggly bridge' due to its lazy 'S' shape, the
Tradeston Bridge was designed in this way to accommodate the River
Clyde's tidal range and aid navigational clearance.
As Glasgow's newest bridge for cyclists it will also
provide access to an existing national cycle route that currently
crosses the river at Bell's Bridge. And long term the Council hopes
to expand these cycle routes south of the river.
About IFSD
Glasgow's International Financial Services District is an
ambitious ten-year (2001-2011) project which aims to deliver:
- 2million sq ft of new office space
- 20,000 new jobs
- £50million investment in the broadband network
- Highly trained, flexible workforce through skills
initiatives
Since launching, over 15,000 jobs have been created through new
investment, expansion and diversified development. Partners
estimate that more than one billion pounds have been invested in
the project in the past seven and a half years. The IFSD is the
catalyst for regenerating the Broomielaw and the west city centre
area. Complementary activities such as residential, commercial and
leisure uses are being encouraged, bringing life and activity to
the area out with normal office hours.
Several of the world's leading financial companies now have a
presence in Glasgow, including: ACE, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Direct
Line, esure, First Data, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and National
Australia Group. The presence of these companies underlines
Glasgow's credentials as a leading centre in the financial
industry. Other firms have moved into the district from other
Glasgow locations, including British Steel Pensions Fund,
Clydesdale Bank and The Weir Group.
The IFSD won the UK Award for Best Public Private Partnership
from the Association for Public Sector Excellence in September
2008.