The bridge responds to the industrial vernacular of the Glasgow riverside with minimum interruption of views and light, and creates a space of unique quality as a new reference point for the city. The arched steel structure supports a sweeping footbridge forming a cross in plan. This shape picks up on the routes that arrive at the river bank and which are not axial in layout.
Increasing the ‘dwell-time’ of pedestrians is a key objective – the crossroads are a way of celebrating a meeting place at the geographical heart of Glasgow, rather than creating a route through the area. The arch itself is a plate construction with two substantial upper members forming a V shaped cross-section clad in glass. In this shell is a bar for 100 persons, accessed by furnicular, or stair up each of the inclined sides.
The dramatic views up and down river from the bar make it a very desirable attraction and a catalyst for further regeneration. The competition submission included a full business plan supporting the revenue for the bar, intended to link to dockside facilities providing a fuller menu of activities and food.
