Ground is officially broken on the £18.3m Balgray station, marking the start of construction on a new rail link serving Barrhead and its growing communities.
The station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow for work, education and leisure, while also improving access to local destinations like the Dams to Darnley Country Park. Once complete, it’ll feature two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, along with waiting shelters, ticket machines and secure cycle storage.
The project is part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal, which is focused on improving transport links, supporting economic growth and encouraging more sustainable development. It’s being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.
Margaret Gibb, commercial director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the Barrhead area. The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park.
“It’s exciting to see work begin on a project that also supports active travel, encouraging more walking and cycling too.”
“We’re proud to be part of a partnership delivering real change and long-term benefits for people in Barrhead and the surrounding area.”
An 80-space car park at the station will include electric vehicle charging points, with new walkways linking the platforms directly to nearby housing developments and reservoir paths.
A new bus turning circle and stop have already been delivered on Springfield Road by East Renfrewshire Council. This aims to strengthen the town’s travel network, making it easier for people to switch between walking, cycling, bus and rail.
Councillor Owen O’Donnell, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: “I’m delighted to see work start on the new Balgray station which will greatly improve transport links between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire with stations on the Neilston line - Williamwood, Whitecraigs and Patterton.
“Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow. We’re proud to be working with our partners on delivering this new station which is one of our biggest City Deal projects.”
Preparatory work and planning for the station began in October 2023, with the final proposal approved by the Glasgow City Region City Deal panel in September 2024. Construction will continue into next year, with the station expected to open to passengers in Autumn 2026.
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Image credit: Network Rail
