John, Sustrans Scotland National Director, presenting the 'Best community impact' award to Isobel Campbell, Chair of Anderston Community Council
Glasgow’s Anderston bridge, previously known as the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, has won a Sustrans award for ‘Best community impact’ – one of four of the charity’s infrastructure awards being given to projects across the UK today. The awards aimed to highlight the very best projects that have taken place on the National Cycle Network since it was first developed by the charity 20 years ago.
Going somewhere
The Anderston bridge was judged to have had an important role in linking up walking and cycling routes in the city. The bridge was previously nicknamed the “Bridge to Nowhere” as plans to link Anderston and the city centre were never completed, leaving it suspended over a hotel car park. Working with the local community, the bridge was completed with funding from the Big Lottery Fund, with contributions from Transport Scotland, via Sustrans, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Glasgow City Council.
Connecting communities
Mrs Isobel Campbell, Chair of Anderston Community Council, accepted the award on behalf of the local community. She said:
“We’re delighted to accept the award on behalf of the community. The Community Council and local people called for the bridge to be completed for a long time. Since it was brought down to the other side of the M8 a few years ago it’s had a big impact on the lives of people in Anderston and city centre neighbourhoods.
“The bridge has proved to be really popular. It’s used by folk from all walks of life and of all ages, but it’s made a particularly big difference to people with limited mobility. It’s given them the independence to make trips into the city centre directly and safely.”
John Lauder, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said:
“We’re thrilled that Anderston bridge is being recognised for the impact it has made on local communities. The completion of the bridge has opened up a safe and attractive route for people travelling on foot, bike, wheelchairs and mobility scooters across one of Scotland’s busiest roads.
“I want to pay tribute to the fantastic efforts of all those involved – especially the local community for the hard work that saw the bridge completed.”