Providing a direct cross river link for the first time since ferry services were suspended in the 1960s, the crossing will span the Clyde from Water Row in Govan to an extended quay wall at Pointhouse Quay next to the Riverside Museum.

With a 115m long deck and a rotating centre span of 68m, it has been described as “one of the longest opening footbridges in Europe”.

The application was submitted by the council’s neighbourhoods and sustainability team in September last year and approved by city planners this week.

Jacobs had previously altered the design as the planning process moved into the detailed/technical stage as a result of stakeholder feedback, but also to make the bridge more capable of opening in windy conditions. In addition, the form of the bridge has been dictated by a number of technical constraints including the need to provide a structure capable of opening to accommodate the movement of large vessels on the river.

“The river represents a significant physical barrier,” the plans stated.

“Regeneration of the north bank has been driven by proximity to the established residential market of the West End and access to the University of Glasgow and cultural attraction, retail and services.

“Govan is located in close proximity to these amenities but is not physically connected to them; as a consequence, the social, economic and physical regeneration of the area has lagged behind.”

The bridge, funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, will form part of a high-quality, active travel route between communities, academic institutions, business and visitor attractions on both banks of the river.

The council previously reported plans to award a contract for the work this summer, with construction starting later in the year.