Bow shaped bridge sails into view on Forth and Clyde canal at Kirkintilloch

3 Mar 2008

A dramatic new bridge has taken shape today at Kirkintilloch as the central span was lowered into place by a huge crane.

Although the original wooden bridges on the Forth and Clyde Canal – the world’s first man-made, sea-to-sea ship canal - swung open to allow tall-masted sailing vessels through, this bridge will be an elegant and permanent fixture.

The bridge is actually bow shaped, and , will carry foot passengers along a 100 metre crossing, although the canal is only 25 metres bank to bank.

The bridge was commissioned by East Dunbartonshire Council, designed by Glasgow-based architects’ practice, The Miller Partnership and cost £800,000.

Designed to echo the look and feel of the bow of a boat, the new bridge forms part of the £12m transformation of Southbank into a new business and leisure park.

It will provide pedestrian access to the 46-berth marina and office development currently being constructed as part of the regeneration of Kirkintilloch.

The project is being led by the East Dunbartonshire Development Company (EDDC) and part funded by Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI), a partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Once complete, the 125 ton bridge, erected on four steel pillars, will span 100 metres in length, bank to bank. Built at Ferguson Shipbuilders’ Newark Works Port in Glasgow it will also contain 139 lighting units incorporating almost 1,000 individual bulbs in an additional upper handrail which will glow in the dark, guiding pedestrians safely from one side to the other.

Andrew Thomson, Operations Director for EDDC and KI Project Champion for Southbank Area Redevelopment, explained:

“The bridge will provide a new crossing over the Forth and Clyde canal, making it easier for people to access the new office and marina facilities that are now nearing completion. We think it will be a striking landmark and with its thousand lights, will glow at night. ”

Council Leader, KI & EDDC Board Member, Rhondda Geekie, commented:

“It’s great to see the final pieces of the jigsaw being put together. The Southbank redevelopment will boost tourism and the economy in Kirkintilloch and the new bridge will play an important part in restoring the canal’s heritage as a hub of commercial activity.”

The redeveloped area will also be the base for a brand new Arts and Cultural Centre to be built under wider regeneration plans by Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI). Overlooking the new marina and part-funded by the Scottish Arts Council, it will boast a 300-seat theatre and host a wide range of theatrical, musical and dance events.

Duncan Hamilton, Project Director for KI explained:

“The regeneration of the Forth & Clyde canal will benefit many of the KI projects. It provides an ideal location for the planned Arts and Cultural centre and will boost tourism from canal users and other visitors. Together with the planned new road into Southbank and the new office developments, it will dramatically increase opportunities for new business in the area.”

The Southbank footbridge is planned to open to the public by May 2008. The marina and office developments are also expected to be complete by May 2008.

More information about Southbank can be found at: www.k-i.org.uk and www.southbankmarina.com.

Information on office space can be obtained from Riddell Thoms on 0141 226 2284 and East Dunbartonshire Enterprise Trust on 0141 777 7171.

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