A project to transform the Clyde waterfront and create thousands of jobs has been given the go-ahead.

Scottish ministers approved the scheme on Friday after two years of public engagement.

The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside initiative will include the construction of the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde, linking Renfrew and Yoker.

It is is expected to plough £867 million into the local economy and create 2,300 new jobs.

Design of project
Funding is coming from the Glasgow City Deal (Renfrewshire Council)

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “The completed project and subsequent regeneration has the potential to deliver a significant economic boost to the Glasgow City region.

“Current businesses will gain access to more customers and suppliers, while new companies and developers will be attracted to locate to the regenerated waterfront.

“Communities on both sides of the Clyde will benefit from greatly improved access to their work, to education and to hospitals through the new connections, which will also help reduce congestion and improve journey times.”

The crossing has been designed by engineering consultancy Sweco working with Kettle Collective, architects behind the Falkirk Wheel.

Winter weather Jan 5th 2017
Architects behind the Falkirk Wheel have been working on the project (Andrew Milligan/PA)

New roads, walkways and cycle routes into a 150-acre site next to Glasgow Airport are also included.

Funding for the project comes from the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Deal.