The new Balgray station in Barrhead is set to open weeks ahead of schedule, with final preparations now underway before it welcomes its first passengers.
An opening date has been confirmed for Sunday 27 September, earlier than the November date originally planned.
Balgray station is being built to serve the growing community around Barrhead and improve rail connections to and from Glasgow. It’s expected to make it easier for people to travel for work, education and leisure, while attracting more visitors to local destinations such as Dams to Darnley Country Park.
The station is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, funded by the UK and Scottish Governments and East Renfrewshire Council. It’s being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.
With the main construction phase complete, teams are busy carrying out final snagging and finishing works ahead of the station opening. Focus is also on final compliance and safety checks including a number of test trains running to and from the station this month.
Jeremy Spence, route delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “One of the best ways to grow rail travel is to make the railway easier to access, and Balgray station will do exactly that. It will provide a new connection to the rail network for a growing community, making journeys by train a more convenient option for both residents and visitors.
“Although the physical construction work is now complete, the project is far from finished. Teams are carrying out a comprehensive programme of testing, safety assurance and final finishing works to make sure everything is ready for passengers when the station opens.”
The new station has two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, as well as waiting shelters, cycle storage and ticket machines. There is an 80-space car park for passengers, with charging points for electric vehicles included. Walkways from the platforms will connect directly with Balgray reservoir paths and provide access to local housing developments.
East Renfrewshire Council leader, Owen O’Donnell, said: “I’m delighted that the new Balgray Station will welcome passengers in just a matter of months. This station will bring huge benefits for the existing community in Barrhead as well as residents from the new housing developments nearby. It will provide improved access to jobs, education and services, as well as supporting our aspirations to have better connections across East Renfrewshire. It also allows for a much-improved public transport link to Dams to Darnley Country Park, which combined with the upgrades to Aurs Road will enhance the area even further. I look forward to my first journey from the station.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “The opening of Balgray station is fantastic news for the local community and everyone who travels by rail in East Renfrewshire. By creating a new gateway to the railway, it will give people more choice over how they travel and make it easier to leave the car at home for everyday journeys.
“We know that convenient, accessible stations encourage more people to choose rail, and Balgray has been designed with that in mind.
“We look forward to welcoming customers through the doors for the first time in September and helping connect even more people with work, education, leisure, and everything this part of Scotland has to offer.”
More information about the project is available on the Scotland’s Railway website.
Image credit: Network Rail
