20.12.13
Haymarket station opens after £24m upgrade
Scottish transport minister Keith Brown officially opened the new £24m Haymarket station yesterday, as part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).
The project has delivered a station building ten time times larger than the original, with enhanced retail and direct access to the tram line. A new, wider footbridge with lifts and escalators has provided step-free access at the station.
Transport minister Keith Brown said: “The exciting £25m redevelopment of Haymarket station marks a hugely important milestone in the EGIP and I am delighted to be able to unveil the station’s stunning new look to the public.
“Network Rail and ScotRail have worked extremely well together to deliver this transformation of one of our most iconic stations on time and on budget and I look forward to seeing this kind of successful collaborative approach continue throughout EGIP.
“The scheme is making excellent progress and is well on the way to helping provide a more comfortable and efficient railway benefitting not just our two biggest cities, but the whole of Scotland.”
Alex Sharkey, Network Rail area director for Scotland East, added: “Haymarket station is already one of the busiest in Scotland and passenger numbers are set to continue to grow in the years ahead.
“This new building will ensure the railway is able to provide first-class facilities for those passengers and the new, modern station will also complement the wider redevelopment of the city’s west end.”
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “More than 22 million journeys a year are already made to and from Edinburgh on ScotRail trains. That’s more than a quarter of our overall record breaking passenger numbers. The new Haymarket is a real boost for Edinburgh – and beyond, and I have no doubt the growth will continue.
“It’s all about connecting people and communities, helping to grow the economy, and supporting business and the environment. Haymarket is a now a transport hub and gateway with the facilities and amenities to match.”
The full refurbishment will be complete in 2014 with the renovation of the original building.
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