A new station is set to boost the passenger experience in Glasgow thanks to new moves by Network Rail which see Story Contracting appointed to oversee design.
The station, known as Balgray, will be on the Neilston line between Patterton and Neilston stations in the area South of Barrhead.
The work will be funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which is a £1.1bn partnership between eight local authorities, the Scottish Government and the UK Government.
Featuring a total of 27 projects, the deal will create 15,000 jobs during the construction phase and a further 14,000 when the work is complete.
Balgray Station is to be delivered in collaboration with East Renfrewshire Council – rail leaders believe the newbuild will improve public transport links between Barrhead, the Dams to Darnley Country Park, and ultimately Glasgow.
Investigative work around the proposed site is already underway, according to Network Rail. Plans include car parking as well as bus and active travel routes.
“I’m delighted that the proposal to locate a new station south of Barrhead is taking another significant step forward,” said Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway.
“New stations have the potential to transform the communities they serve, support growth in travel for work and leisure, and provide opportunities for local people by improving connectivity, in this case, primarily into Glasgow.”
Owen O’Donnell, the leader of the East Renfrewshire Council, added: “It’s great to see work progressing on the Glasgow City Region Deal-funded rail station in Barrhead.
“This station will bring huge benefits for the existing community in Barrhead as well as residents from the new housing developments nearby, providing improved access to jobs, education and services. It also allows for a much-improved public transport link to Dams to Darnley Country Park.”
A public drop-in event will be hosted at the Auchenback Resource Centre in Barrhead on Tuesday 12 Deceber between 3pm and 7pm for those who want to learn more about the plans.
Image credit: Network Rail
