Residents and businesses in the Southside and West End of Glasgow are feeling divided over the opening of a new Govan-Partick Bridge.

Opening this Friday, the £29.5m project – which has been funded by the Scottish and UK Governments - will provide a walking and cycling path for residents to travel to either area without using public transport. 

(Image: Image of the Govan-Partick Bridge taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Image of the Govan-Partick Bridge taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

The structure will be one of the longest-opening pedestrian and cycle bridges in Europe, according to Glasgow City Council. 

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Speaking to businesses in Govan and Partick, most believe that the bridge will increase footfall and have a positive impact on both communities.

(Image: Image of Constantino Marcello)

Constantino Marcello, owner of Caffettino in Partick, said: “It will be good because it connects one side of the town to the other.

“Nowadays, cars are not as popular as they used to be because of the world becoming greener, so it will be good to have a walking and cycling path.

“It also means that people who don’t drive can easily get to different parts of the city and it will be good for businesses in terms of more footfall.”

He added: “You always need more areas that you can walk to rather than drive through.”

(Image: Image of Paul Faulkner)

Paul Faulkner, assistant manager of Locavore in Partick, said: “It’s a very exciting opportunity to connect two parts of the city that have so much history together.

“‘It’s a great chance for a lot of businesses to make better connections with other parts of the city and bring people together.”

(Image: Image of Marcin Ruczka)

Likewise, Marcin Ruczka, owner of Rhubarb & Honey in Govan, said: “We are very excited for the bridge. It’s been quiet quite recently so we hope it will bring business in. Fingers crossed.”

(Image: Image of Nolan's Bazaar)

However, Lynne Nolan, who owns Nolan's Bazaar in Govan, was not fully convinced the new addition will be a positive one, particularly for the Southside.

She said: “The bridge will bring more people away from Govan rather than into it. But you never know. However, Govan needs more business.”

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There is also a clear split in residential opinion – with some questioning if the structure is truly necessary.

(Image: Image of Lucy Toel)

Lucy Toel, 80, from Partick, said: “I don’t see any need for this bridge or any advantage in having it.

"I imagine it is a costly thing and neither Govan nor Partick need it, I don’t think.

“Why would anyone here want to journey to Govan anyway? There’s nothing there.”

(Image: Image of John Hobson)

John Hobson, 80, from Partick, said: “We have to question if this is really necessary.

“I suppose it might help those who usually use the subway with regards to costs. But I’m not sure it’s something that was really needed.”

(Image: Image of Ashleigh Green)

However, Ashleigh Green, born and bred Govanite, 34, said: “It is a good idea that the bridge is being erected here.

“It means that both ends of the city are connected. That’s what bridges do; they connect communities and people. It means we are less separate from one another.

“I get the underground sometimes and it’s only £1.80 – but that could be someone's meal during the day or a cup of tea.

“So now because of the bridge, the money that probably would have gone to the underground, can now go to something more fruitful in the community for everybody.”

 

(Image: Image of George Smith)

Similarly, George Smith, 33, from Partick said: “‘It’s a great idea being able to get over to Govan from Partick and being able to walk there rather than having to take the car.

‘‘I’ve been here [Partick] for many years and getting over to Govan is an absolute pain so I think that bridge is good for cycling and walking.’’

(Image: Image of Bernadette and Robert)

While Robert McBride, 72, in Govan, said: “It is a good idea for both Govan and Partick.”

Bernadette Willets, 71, also in Govan, added: “This is something both Govan and Partick needed.

“If (Robert and I) go to Partick, we have to get the bus to the hospital and then a bus all the way around.”