Plans to relocate Hairmyres station are set to start earlier after Scotland’s Railway, South Lanarkshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) agreed to fund and develop an expanded transport interchange.
The station is moving to a new site off Redwood Avenue, around 600m to the west of its existing location, as part of the East Kilbride Enhancements Project.
Work will begin in 2024 on the new 18-acre site and facility, and will be finished and operational by the end of this summer.
As part of the project, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, South Lanarkshire Council and SPT, are funding and developing a major transport interchange with park-and-ride facilities. The expansion will also include significant electric vehicle charging provisions, active travel improvements and a new bus interchange.
Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, SPT Chair said: “SPT is proud to be funding and working alongside partners in helping deliver a new transport interchange and strategic park and ride at the relocated Hairmyres station. We are committed to ensuring a fully integrated approach for improving bus and rail connections as well as delivering good walking and cycling connections to nearby towns.”
The East Kilbride Enhancements Project plays a key role in the Scottish Government’s plans to decarbonise Scotland’s rail passenger services by 2035, allowing more capacity on the route, with greener and quieter trains.
Transport Minister, Graeme Dey, added: “When completed, this project will offer transformative public transport options that will encourage more people out of their cars and onto trains. Improving the passenger experience is pivotal to help drive a shift from road to rail and that is why the new Hairmyres station will be a welcome boost to passengers and the local economy alike."
“As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, electrification projects such as East Kilbride show we can build back not only better but greener too.”
Plans also include an upgrade of the East Kilbride station as well as route-wide platforms alterations, accessibility upgrades and a future improvement to the timetable.
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “The East Kilbride line is a key transport corridor serving growing communities to the south of Scotland’s largest city."
“The redevelopment of Hairmyres is a fantastic opportunity to improve the passenger experience and demonstrates what can be achieved when we work collaboratively with our partners.”
Councillor John Anderson, Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Committee, added: “This really is a great move and a win, win for everyone. Anything that improves access to a greater range of public transport options and promotes sustainable commuting opportunities is to be applauded."
“Active travel is high on the council’s agenda. The facilities that this new station will not only provide everyone with more environmentally friendly modes of transport, but also bring more accessible retail opportunities to the wider community.”
RTM is running a virtual event on Passenger Experience on August 18. To find out more, click here.
