Clydebank Post | News | Clydebank

Saturday, 17th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 30th April, 2008 09:30

Clydebank - a town takes flight

By Colin Hutton

THE transformation of Clydebank has flown into action with the “iconic” new bridge canopy being lifted into place.

A massive 250 tonne crane was needed to hoist the ‘swan in flight’ structure into place over the Forth and Clyde Canal at Clydebank Shopping Centre.

The tricky operation took almost two-hours last Tuesday night and the £2m canal regeneration programme — which has been funded by various partners including West Dunbartonshire Council and Clydebank Re-built — is really starting to take shape.

The swan design was chosen from over 60 entries in a national architects’ competition, with the eventual winner, Neil McLean, coming up with the inspiring structure.

Mr McLean, from RMJM architects, told the Post that he wanted to create a design that reflected the natural environment and rejuvenation of the town and surrounding area.

He said: “The canopy takes inspiration from a swan in flight over the canal, with two long cantilevering wing spans emerging from a central supporting steel structure.

“It was also symbolic of the community rising to take on a new life as part of the town’s wider regeneration plans.”

Eleanor McAllister, managing director of Clydebank Re-built, added: “Clydebank Re-built is delighted to commission the specially designed ‘swan in flight’ bridge canopy as part of the canal regeneration project in the centre of the town.

“The new bridge canopy will be an iconic structure and another beacon for the regeneration of Clydebank.

“Its distinctive design like a swan in flight will stand out and during the hours of darkness because it will be specially lit up.”

The canopy was constructed on site alongside the canal by Yoker-based construction company Gray and Dick Ltd before the it was finally moved into place to transform the vibrant canalside.

It is expected that final completion of the canopy and the north canal bank environmental improvements will be made by the end of May.

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