BBC Scotland's ambitious plans for a new digital broadcasting centre in Glasgow have cleared an important hurdle.

Glasgow City Council has approved plans for a bridge to be built over the River Clyde, linking Finnieston Street on the north bank with Govan Road on the south.

The new bridge will provide access, for both pedestrians and traffic, to Pacific Quay, earmarked as the site of the new BBC Scotland headquarters.

The council's decision must now be forwarded to the Scottish Executive for final approval.

The BBC held an international design contest

BBC Scotland's new HQ, to be built at a cost of �30m, will be the BBC's first digital broadcasting centre of the 21st century.

The building has been designed by London-based David Chipperfield Architects (DCA), and was chosen from a field of over 70 international design companies.

Interactive facilities in the reception area for the public and a live background overlooking the Clyde from the Reporting Scotland studio are among the many features in the new building.

The building, which is due for completion in 2005, has been hailed as a major focal point for the continued development and regeneration of Pacific Quay.

The 60-acre site is currently undergoing a major transformation and is home to the Glasgow Science Centre, Imax Cinema, the Millennium Tower and Pacific Quay Developments' business park.

Scottish Enterprise is taking a lead role in the development of Pacific Quay and welcomed Thursday's decision by the city council.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted that planning permission for this important project has been granted and work will now be taken forward by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and our partners."

He added: "It brings us nearer to our vision of establishing the site as a world class location for digital media and the creative industries."

It is hoped the site will also offer further business and tourist developments and when completed provide more than 3,000 jobs.