BBS supplies Portuguese Granite for Glasgow's M8 Footbridge

This important footbridge, part of a larger £250 million regeneration initiative, links the neighbourhood of Sighthill directly to Glasgow’s city centre. It provides residents with accessible pathways to Strathclyde University, Queen Street Station, and the city’s prominent shopping districts. The project is not just a transportation link but a keystone in Glasgow City Council’s vision to revitalise the area, offering sustainable, affordable housing and urban amenities within easy reach of the city centre.

From December 2021 to December 2023, BBS played a critical role in this high-profile regeneration by supplying portuguese granite, an integral part of the bridge’s landscaping and design. Originally, the project had specified the use of Chinese granite; however, due to pandemic-related restrictions and increasing import costs, BBS adapted swiftly, sourcing the granite from a Portuguese supplier. This shift underscored BBS’s flexibility and commitment to the project's successful delivery, navigating logistical complexities to deliver high-grade granite that aligned with sustainability standards and budgetary constraints. This strategic sourcing choice also speaks to BBS’s commitment to sustainable practices, with positive outcomes for the project’s overall sustainability credentials. Working in tandem with BAM Nuttall, BBS managed to meet strict packaging specifications and service level, and adhere to a “just-in-time” delivery model.

The landscaping for the bridge and its surrounding public spaces, designed by LDA in Glasgow and Jacobs in Edinburgh, incorporates granite paving, seating walls, and street furniture to create a welcoming and functional realm for public use. The design, brought to life with high-quality materials supplied by BBS, successfully captures the intended aesthetic and purpose, providing a functional yet aesthetically inviting environment. This aspect of the project highlights the importance of intricate design, which demanded close collaboration with the proactive client, designers, and contractors to navigate logistical and aesthetic challenges. BBS’s active on-site presence was essential during installation, providing direct support and expertise to ensure the materials met the high standards set by the designers and Glasgow City Council.

The importance of the Sighthill M8 Bridge in Glasgow’s transformation was emphasised by leaders involved in the project. Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: "The installation of the main span of the Sighthill M8 Bridge is a key stage in both the reconnection of Sighthill and the nearby city centre, and the wider transformation of the area, one of the UK's biggest such projects. When complete, this new bridge will provide a landmark gateway to Sighthill and an active travel route between Sighthill, the city centre and the communities of North Glasgow."

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart remarked: "Connecting Sighthill to Glasgow city centre, this major new bridge over the M8 is another important step forward in regenerating this part of the city. It will provide a convenient travel link and help boost the local economy. The UK Government is investing more than £1.5bn into City Region and Growth deals right across Scotland, helping create jobs and drive growth as we recover from the pandemic."

The success of the M8 motorway footbridge project exemplifies the expertise and dedication of BBS in delivering quality materials under challenging conditions. Their role in this ambitious Glasgow regeneration effort highlights the company’s capability in managing complex, large-scale public infrastructure projects, from adaptive sourcing strategies to hands-on support in the final stages of installation. Through close collaboration with Glasgow City Council, design teams, and contractors, BBS (Brick and Stone) Ltd has helped create a landmark that stands as both a functional infrastructure and a symbol of regeneration for Glasgow’s communities.