Ahu Engineering is proud to have played a key role as Lead Consultant for the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside (CWRR) project, a transformative £92m initiative led by Renfrewshire Council under the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The project aims to enhance transport links, promote sustainable travel, and stimulate economic growth.

At its heart, the CWRR project seeks to connect the communities of Renfrew, Yoker, and Clydebank with a new two-lane opening bridge across the River Clyde. The Renfrew Bridge – the first opening road bridge across the Clyde – will accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists while reducing car reliance and maintaining navigation rights. The goal is to create a more integrated and sustainable transport network.

However, the benefits extend beyond aesthetics and accessibility. The CWRR project is expected to have a considerable economic impact by improving transport links and creating attractive public spaces. This will increase foot traffic for local businesses, stimulating job creation and supporting the growth of the local economy.

Our role as CWRR #DifferenceMakers

Ahu’s team (including subconsultants Kettle Collective, Cass Hayward, KGAL and ITPEnergised) has played a vital role throughout the project, focusing on:

• Designing innovative routes and structures
• Complex environmental planning across three planning authorities and Marine Scotland
• Conducting ecological and utility surveys
• Creating feasibility studies and designs for the bridge and roads
• Assessing environmental impact and flood risk
• Engaging stakeholders to address community needs
• Overseeing statutory procedures across multiple jurisdictions

Navigating complex waterfront challenges

As one of Scotland’s largest infrastructure projects, the CWRR faced complex challenges, particularly in navigating a multi-consenting process across three local authority areas and Marine Scotland. Ahu’s team effectively managed multiple consultants and ensured clear communication among stakeholders, preparing all necessary planning applications and supporting documents.

After evaluating various options, the final design selected was a 184-meter-long twin-leaf cable-stayed swing bridge, the aesthetic vision for which was created by Kettle Collective and was endorsed by Architecture & Design Scotland, which offers a clear navigable channel for river traffic.

Project Highlights

• Construction of the Renfrew Northern Development Road, linking the new bridge to key areas like Braehead and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).
• Enhancements to public transport and active travel routes on the A8 Inchinnan Road for better access to leisure, education, and employment sites.
• High-quality landscaping that promotes local development and regeneration, improving access to greenspaces.
• Optimising the local road network to enhance journey times and safety for all users.
• Close engagement with the local communities

Key positive outcomes

• Successful coordination of planning application and supporting impact assessments
• A value engineering approach during the works tender phase allowed the Council to select components within budget.
• A consultative approach to project development fostered consensus, optimising design and reducing risks.