Network Rail reveals name of new station in Barrhead

The proposed new station will be called ‘Balgray’, it has been announced.

Situated off Balgraystone Road, between Patterton and Neilston stations, the name is a nod to its location next to Balgray Reservoir and an old Scottish place name meaning either Bal (settlement) or Balg (bulge or bag shaped body of water).

Funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, and delivered in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council (ERC), the new station will improve public transport links between Barrhead, the Dams to Darnley Country Park, and Glasgow.

Initial work to investigate the proposed station site is already underway.

Balgraystone Road (Image: Network Rail)

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s railway, said: “I’m delighted that the proposal to locate a new station south of Barrhead is taking another significant step forward.

“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.

“Scotland’s railway will work closely with ERC over the coming months to prepare the design plans for the new station.”

As well as revealing the name, Network Rail has also announced that it has appointed Story Contracting Ltd to design the new station.

John MacArthur, Managing Director, Story Contracting (Scotland) said: “We are extremely proud to be appointed as the trusted partner to deliver the next step towards a significant new station. 

“We are looking forward to working alongside Network Rail and ERC to design a solution which will improve connectivity for passengers and benefit the local community.” 

Balgray Station outline design visualisation two (Image: Network Rail)

Those who want to find out more about the plans for the new station are invited to attend a public information drop-in on Tuesday, December 12.

This will take place from 3pm to 7pm, at the Auchenback Resource Centre in Barrhead’s Aurs Drive.

East Renfrewshire Council Leader Owen O’Donnell said: “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.”