Tony Kettle from the Kettle Collective, the award-winning architect behind the Falkirk Wheel, said he hopes his aspirational ‘twin leaf’ opening bridge over the River Clyde, will act as a symbol of the region’s regeneration.

The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside regeneration project was one of two massive infrastructure projects submitted for planning earlier this week by Renfrewshire Council.

The new crossing is part of plans to connect communities across the river and regenerate the Clyde Waterfront as an attractive area supporting residential, industrial, business, retail and leisure opportunities.

It will link the north and south banks of the River, between the town of Renfrew and Yoker, a western district of Glasgow approximately five miles west of the city centre. The bridge will accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as maintaining shipping and ferry routes along the river.

Mr Kettle said the bridge is constructed using a modern cable suspension system and celebrates the River Clyde’s shipbuilding heritage in its design.

As the bridge opens and closes, the vertical masts rotate similar to resemble the turning motion of cranes on the Clyde.

“The design is inspired by the shipbuilding story of the Clyde,” Mr Kettle said.

“We sourced historical photos and maps that show dry docks cut into the embankments and there was the movement of the cranes, turning in beautiful circular motions to construct the ships. All of this was inspiration for us when creating the bridge to be both a physical landmark and one that is symbolic of the area’s traditions and its regeneration. Its design is packed with drama and dynamism, creating a visual spectacle which we believe will draw people to come and see it, but there is no compromise on the functionality.”

Engineering and design consultancy Sweco worked with Kettle Collective to develop the conceptual design for the twin- leaf bridge, which uses a modern cable stay system akin to the Queensferry Crossing.

Plans for the crossing and all Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside infrastructure are being considered by planning authorities in Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow.

If approved, construction is anticipated to start next year and be completed in 2020.