New aerial footage has revealed the scale and pace of progress at the site of the forthcoming Balgray station in Barrhead, part of an £18.3 million infrastructure investment. The drone video captures the emerging steel platform structures and the evolving layout, offering a compelling visual of the transformation underway.
Construction commenced in July, with early works focused on relocating key signalling assets to accommodate the new platform. Teams have since delivered critical track upgrades, installed new overhead line equipment, and completed extensive drainage and earthworks to stabilise the site.
Once operational in Autumn 2026, Balgray station will feature two platforms linked by a footbridge with lifts, alongside modern passenger amenities including waiting shelters, ticket machines, and secure cycle storage.
The project forms part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments and East Renfrewshire Council. It aims to enhance connectivity between Barrhead and Glasgow, supporting commuter, educational, and leisure travel, while improving access to local attractions such as the Dams to Darnley Country Park.
Network Rail is delivering the station in collaboration with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail, and Story Contracting.
Ashley McDonald, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, commented:
“We know how much this station will mean to the local community and it’s great to be able to share these early glimpses of how it’s progressing.
The new station is about giving people more choice in how they get to work, visit family and friends and enjoy their free time. It makes rail a more convenient and accessible option for their everyday journeys.
As the build continues, we’re committed to keeping the community updated and involved. It’s great to see the progress so far, and we’re looking forward to delivering a station that will make a real difference to the local area.”
The station will also include an 80-space car park with electric vehicle charging points, and new pedestrian links connecting the platforms to nearby housing and the reservoir. A new bus turning circle and stop have already been completed on Springfield Road by East Renfrewshire Council.
Council leader Owen O'Donnell said:
“It’s exciting to see Balgray station starting to take shape. We are very much looking forward to the new station opening in Autumn 2026.
Having this new station in Barrhead is going to make a huge difference to our growing community there. Public transport options are set to be much improved between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire, as well as making it easier to travel to Glasgow city centre, and for visitors to access Dams to Darnley Country Park.”
The next phase of construction will focus on laying foundations for the footbridge and initiating work on the car park. Further drainage and earthworks are planned, with platform construction continuing. Installation of the footbridge and lifts is scheduled for early next year.
Image and video credits: Network Rail
