Elderpark Housing, Govan Housing Association and Linthouse Housing Association hailed it as “a massive step forward” in the multi-million-pound regeneration of their communities.

Members of the public began crossing the bridge following a weekend of festivities which kicked off on Saturday.

The £29.5 million Glasgow City Region City Deal project - funded by the Scottish and UK governments - re-establishes the historic connection between Govan and Partick, with the bridge crossing between Water Row, Govan and Pointhouse Quay on the north bank of the river.

Linthouse, Govan and Elderpark are themselves deeply engaged in community regeneration which is a key activity of any community-controlled housing provider.

Of particular note is their housebuilding activity providing much needed affordable homes in the thriving Govan community.

Adjacent to the Govan exit of the bridge Govan Housing Association has completed a landmark housing development of 92 homes at Water Row which enhances the appearance of Govan Cross

Linthouse’s latest housing development transformed the derelict former Drumyone primary school into 49 new homes at Cromdale Square.  And in a further development, Linthouse is to deliver 37 high quality back and front door homes and cottage flats on the site of the now derelict Davislea Care home off Langlands Road.  The work to demolish the care home will start this year.

Meanwhile, earlier this year Elderpark announced plans for 43 affordable homes in two striking new buildings at Elderpark Street and Nimmo Drive.

A spokesperson for all three housing associations said: “New housing is crucial to the ongoing regeneration of Govan and we are proud to be playing our part in this exciting process.

“We applaud the efforts of so many partners working hand in hand for the good of the community and the new bridge is a shining example of what can be achieved with large-scale regeneration projects.”

The bridge is significant economically, environmentally and socially through the link it will provide not only between communities, but also a number of visitor attractions and institutions of national economic importance. The crossing is also a central part of the active travel route between the University of Glasgow’s campus at Gilmorehill and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “September will be a milestone in the modern history of these two great communities. It will also be a milestone for Glasgow and the wider city region. Our riverside and the communities either side of it are home to the biggest economic opportunities in Europe, but also many of Scotland’s biggest social challenges.

“Reconnecting Govan and Partick can help unlock the potential along the Clyde, create more opportunities for the people who live and work there, and continue the transformation of these areas. Glaswegians often tell us how they would like to see the Clyde having a more prominent role in the life of the city. This new riverside landmark does just that.”

Scottish Government minister for investment Tom Arthur MSP said: “The Govan-Partick Bridge will unlock opportunities for people living on both sides of the River Clyde. It will link up existing walking and cycling routes in Govan and Partick and enable more businesses to trade across the river to drive growth in western Glasgow.”

UK Government minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill MP said: “Kick-starting growth and delivering economic stability is at the heart of the UK Government’s priorities. It’s great news for Glasgow that this UK and Scottish Government funded bridge linking Govan and Partick will soon be open, boosting the economy, bringing communities together and supporting redevelopment.”