Crumbling brickwork whispers tales of industry. This is Print Works Bridge. It stands sentinel where Pollokshaws Road meets the M74 flyover. This unassuming bridge connects past and present. It links the bustling city center to the quieter Laurieston area. The Print Works Bridge isn’t just a passageway. It’s a silent witness to Glasgow’s transformation.
The Print Works building itself a Grade B listed structure looms large nearby. Its history is deeply intertwined with the bridge. Originally part of the St Andrew’s Works complex it began life around 1900. It served as a coal-fired electricity generating station. Powering the city’s growth. By 1937 it underwent a dramatic shift. It was converted into a printing works. Printing and storing Glasgow’s planning records. The building’s massive size is evident. The front warehouse alone boasts an impressive 7995 square feet. The rear warehouse is even larger at 21063 square feet. The building has been completely re-roofed in recent times.
A planning application in 2020 proposed a fascinating change of use. It envisioned the warehouse becoming a family play center. This exciting proposal reflects ongoing efforts to preserve Glasgow’s industrial heritage. The Print Works building and its connection via Print Works Bridge to the city is an integral part of the story of Glasgow. The bridge has witnessed much more than just the flow of traffic. It has seen the evolution of a city. The rise and fall of industries. The constant ebb and flow of history.
Today Print Works Bridge remains a vital link. Pedestrians and vehicles cross it daily. They travel between different parts of the city. They are oblivious to the rich history beneath their feet. The bridge stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Glasgow. Its resilience and capacity to adapt and evolve. The Printing Works building itself is a testament to the industrial strength of Glasgow. Its vast size alone demonstrates the scale of the city’s manufacturing past.
Remember as you cross Print Works Bridge. You walk on more than just concrete and steel. You walk on layers of history. The echoes of industry past are still present. The future of Glasgow will continue its story. This unassuming bridge will be witness.