Transforming the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside (CWRR)
Sweco 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.
The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Project is about more than just building infrastructure. It’s about creating connections and fostering a sense of community.
Sandy Ross Operations Director
Our role as CWRR #DifferenceMakers
Sweco’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. Sweco’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.
The collective effort of Sweco and partners to create such an iconic structure and link for the local population is something to be hugely proud of. Watching this vision come to life, I’m incredibly eager to see the positive effect it will have on the wider community.
Ruairidh Mackay Structural Lead
The route to sustainable practices
The project team prioritised sustainability in design and proposals. By following the PAS 2080:2016 methodology, Sweco identified carbon reduction opportunities early in the design phase. This focus on sustainability extended to the procurement process, using carbon reduction as a key metric in selecting contractors.
CWRR as a whole places a strong emphasis on promoting active travel to enhance connectivity and support sustainable transportation. Key active travel elements include the development of new walking and cycling routes, which will provide improved access to leisure, education, and employment sites.
These routes are designed to foster a healthier and more sustainable mode of transport. High-quality landscaping and the creation of green spaces further enhance the appeal of these active travel routes, making them attractive and safe for all users. The project team’s innovative designs and commitment to sustainability have been pivotal in integrating these active travel elements into the overall project, ensuring that the infrastructure supports vibrant and connected communities.
As Sweco UK Active Travel Technical Director Alan Blacklaws explains: “Our work on the Clyde Waterfront & Renfrew Riverside project highlights the dedication towards enhancing active travel infrastructure. By incorporating new and improved walking and cycling routes, we are not only improving accessibility but also encouraging sustainable travel practices in general.”

Place-making a difference to the wider Clyde region
In addition to the Renfrew Bridge itself, the CWRR project includes significant waterfront improvements, such as new green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas for families. The aim is to make the waterfront a vibrant, welcoming space for all.
Creating a sense of place along the route and particularly the settings for the bridge landing points formed an important part of the design process. Our landscape team worked closely with the bridge architect in developing solutions that would match the vision for the bridge itself.
In addition extensive tree avenue planting and woodland management along the route helped to enhance the sense of approach to the new bridge.
Sweco Associate Landscape Architect Andrew Redbond says: “It was a truly collaborative effort with a number of Sweco teams and an honour to have been involved in such an iconic project”

Forging strong community connections
A fundamental aspect of the CWRR project was its commitment to community engagement. From the beginning, the project team sought input from local residents, businesses, and statutory bodies through meetings, exhibitions, and digital interactions. This approach ensured that community voices shaped the project.
Through public consultations, residents had the opportunity to share their opinions and contribute to the CWRR vision. This collaboration fostered a sense of ownership and strengthened community ties, allowing the project to progress smoothly with broad support.
Conclusion
The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Project is not just a construction endeavour. It is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. By focusing on connectivity, economic growth, and community engagement, this project exemplifies how thoughtful planning and collaboration can create thriving urban spaces.
As the bridge officially opens in February/March and the waterfront begins to flourish, the future looks promising for the Clyde area. This project showcases what can be achieved when vision meets community spirit, paving the way for well-being-focused, place-based infrastructure.
Images with thanks to Kettle Collective, who provided the inspirational vision, architecture and urban planning for the Renfrew Bridge