BBS – Supplying Granite for the Govan to Partick Bridge, Glasgow
BBS Brick and Stone Limited recently supplied premium granite for the Govan to Partick Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycle swing bridge reconnecting the historic areas of Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick.
This project, commissioned by Glasgow City Council as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, bridges two vibrant communities, reviving a historical link that serves as an economic, environmental, and social lifeline. By linking neighborhoods, visitor attractions, and key economic institutions, the bridge has created an accessible and inclusive route that promotes social engagement, active travel, and connectivity.
The bridge’s landing areas are enhanced by a thoughtfully designed public realm, developed by Jacobs, which includes intricate granite paving, seating units, and street furniture. These additions complement the bridge’s functionality and serve to improve the quality of life in both Govan and Partick by encouraging and fostering social interaction, and providing spaces that are both visually inviting and functional. The public realm designs, developed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, transform the landing zones into lively community hubs. These spaces also support the local economy while creating a safe, inclusive environment that meets the needs of diverse users.
The project’s material specification initially centered around high-quality Chinese granite for paving, steps, and seating elements, which BBS sourced to meet budget and aesthetic requirements. However, as design adjustments necessitated additional materials, BBS pivoted to integrating Portuguese granite to fulfill evolving project demands. This change presented logistical challenges due to the tight timelines, but BBS’s adaptability ensured the bridge’s progress remained uninterrupted. Throughout the project, the BBS team, particularly team member Julie Tyler, coordinated efforts to source and deliver these high volumes of granite efficiently, providing timely responses to design changes and maintaining cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
Our total supply involvement included:
- Silver Grey Special Winch Blocks
- 65x Mid Grey Seating Units
- 10x Mid Grey Seating Cubes
- 4,000m2 of Silver Grey Paving
- 250 linear metres of Silver Grey Special Step Units
- 75 linear metres of Silver Grey Large Ampitheatre Blocks
- Silver Grey Skateboard features
- Corduroy Paving
- Tactile Blister Paving
- 100m2 of Multi Coloured ‘Glasgow Mix’ Sett Paving
In managing such a large and complex supply operation, BBS maintained a significant on-site presence during the installation stage. This hands-on involvement allowed BBS to coordinate closely with Glasgow City Council, Jacobs, and the contractors, ensuring seamless communication and adherence to design specifications. The logistical intricacies of delivering and installing granite on a tight schedule were met with effective planning and teamwork, underscoring BBS’s expertise in handling demanding projects with multiple material sources and detailed specifications.
As the project neared completion, BBS continued to support its success by coordinating final remedial works, ensuring that every detail aligned with Glasgow City Council’s vision for a bridge that would stand as a welcoming gateway between Govan and Partick. BBS’s role in the Govan to Partick Bridge project exemplifies their commitment to public realm transformations, as well as their ability to navigate logistical challenges, maintain active involvement through all project stages, and deliver high-quality materials that contribute to the revitalisation of Glasgow’s urban spaces.