Kingston Bridge gets listed status to mark 50 years

The Kingston Bridge in Glasgow, which carries the M8 over the River Clyde, has become a listed structure.

The bridge, which is 50-years-old, has been recognised with listing status at category C by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for its special architectural and historic interest.

At 270m long, and 40m wide, it is a key part of Scotland’s transport network.

The decision follows nomination for listing by Transport Scotland to mark the bridge’s 50th anniversary in June.

Elizabeth McCrone, head of designations at HES, said: “We’re grateful for the time people took to share their views with us about the Kingston Bridge.

“What became clear through the consultation is that people feel very strongly about the decision to list the Kingston Bridge, and a number of issues were raised, ranging from concerns that this would mean the bridge must always remain a motorway and the climate change impacts of this, to worries that recognising the bridge in this way was insensitive to the effect its construction had on the communities directly affected.

“Listing is a way of recognising buildings and structures that create Scotland’s distinctive character, and through which we can discover more about the stories of our past.

“In listing the Kingston Bridge, we have responded to the consultation to show both the positive and negative aspects of its history– including how a large part of Anderston Cross was demolished and transformed as part of the city’s ambitious and innovative redevelopment of the area, which included the building of the bridge.

“Listing doesn’t mean that a structure has to stay the same forever or remain in its original use. Rather, it means that there is a special interest that should be taken into account in the planning process.”

Transport secretary Michael Matheson said: “The Kingston Bridge has become an iconic landmark in Glasgow, so I’m pleased to see its 50 years of operation being recognised in this way.

“The crossing played its part in taking a significant amount of traffic off the city centre streets and paved the way for the pedestrianisation of Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street.

“It has also courted some controversy over the past half century, but there is no doubt it continues to play a vital role today.

“The work that’s been carried out to ensure it continues to do this job in the future has won civil engineering awards, so having the Kingston Bridge formally listed is a fitting way to mark its impact over the past 50 years.”