Story lands Balgray railway station contract
NETWORK Rail has appointed Story Contracting to design a proposed new railway station on the Neilston railway line in the area south of Barrhead.
To be located off Balgraystone Road, between the Patterton and Neilston stations, the new station will include car parking as well as bus and active travel routes.
Set to be named Balgray railway station, due to its location next to Balgray Reservoir, the station will improve public transport links between Barrhead, the Dams to Darnley Country Park, and Glasgow.
The build is being funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal and is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with Renfrewshire Council. Initial works to investigate the proposed station site are already underway.
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 East Renfrewshire Council over the coming months to prepare the design plans for the new station.”
John MacArthur, MD of Story Contracting (Scotland), added, “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 East Renfrewshire Council to design a solution which will improve connectivity for passengers and benefit the local community.”
East Renfrewshire Council leader, Owen O’Donnell, commented, “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.”
Network Rail is inviting 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 12 December, 3.00pm-7.00pm, at the Auchenback Resource Centre, Aurs Drive, Barrhead.