A NEW bridge between Govan and Partick could help boost regeneration and boost visitor numbers, city planners hope.

The next phase in the development of a new bridge across the River Clyde has now lead to the appointment of a global engineering consultancy to come up with design.

It is expected work on the pedestrian and cycle bridge will start in 2019 recreating the historic connection between the two areas.

The bridge will be able to open to allow vessels such as the Waverley to berth upstream.

Councillors have appointed CH2M to design the new bridge. The company is responsible for the design of a number of bridges across the Clyde including the Clyde Arc, Dalmarnock Smart Bridge and Tradeston Bridge.

Support for a bridge between Govan and Partick was one of the most popular themes of a three day workshop involving people living on both sides of the river.

The majority felt it should cross from Water Row in Govan to either the Glasgow Harbour site or a site between Riverside Museum and a feasibility study will now examine the best location.

City council leader Frank McAveety said: “Govan and Partick shared a connection for centuries and with so much regeneration happening in both communities the time has come for this bridge to further strengthen their development.

“I am delighted to see the beginning of work on this, the next phase of the regeneration of the Clyde.”

It is hoped the new bridge, which is being funded through the £1.13billion City Deal, will stimulate economic growth and improve links between the Glasgow University campus and the hub of high-tech research at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The city council believes it will help boost the regeneration of Govan by putting it at the heart of the university to the north, the new hospital to the west and Pacific Quay to the east.

It is also hoped the new bridge will increase visitor numbers to the area resulting in a cash boost for local businesses.

Govan and Partick were linked for many years but in the late 20th century the river lost its role as a seaway, port and centre of industry resulting in the historic Govan Ferry closing in the mid 1960s.