Passengers will be able to use the new £18.3 million Balgray station in Barrhead for the first time this weekend.
The station will officially open to passengers on Sunday, 27th September, when ScotRail services begin calling there.
Built to serve the growing community around Barrhead, the station will provide links to Glasgow and the wider rail network. It will also improve public transport access to nearby Dams to Darnley Country Park.
The project forms part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal and has been completed ahead of schedule and within budget.
Funding includes £7.87 million from the UK Government, £7.87 million from the Scottish Government and £2.57 million from East Renfrewshire Council.
Network Rail delivered the project in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.
Balgray station includes step-free access using lifts, secure cycle storage, waiting shelters with WiFi and ticket machines.
An 80-space car park has also been provided, including electric vehicle charging points, while new walking routes connect the station with nearby homes and local paths.
Photo: (in no order) Councillor Owen O’Donnell, Stephen Flynn MSP, Douglas Alexander MP, ScotRail Managing Director Joanne Maguire and Network Rail Scotland Managing Director Liam Sumpter gather on the platform at the new Balgray station.
Photo Credit: Network Rail
Liam Sumpter, managing director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Having a station on your doorstep can make a real difference to everyday life. Whether it’s commuting to work, heading to school, spending time with loved ones or exploring the local area, rail makes those journeys easier and more convenient.
“The community has been at the heart of this project in the lead up to opening day, and we hope Balgray continues to be a valued part of the area for years to come, helping people connect with the places and opportunities that matter most to them.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Through the UK Government’s £7.87 million investment in Balgray Station we are empowering local communities, putting education, job opportunities, leisure and everyday services within easy reach for more people in East Renfrewshire. Working with local partners the UK Government is delivering practical, hopeful change in Barrhead and across Scotland.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “Balgray Station, the latest new station on Scotland’s Railway, has been supported by almost £8m of Scottish Government funding through the Glasgow City Region Deal.
“You only have to look at the impact other new stations and infrastructure have made to our communities and the wider economy to recognise the importance of building modern and accessible facilities.
“If we are to attract more people onto public transport, supporting positive climate action, then initiatives like Balgray are vital. It’s a tremendous honour to open the new station ahead of passenger services beginning this weekend and I look forward to hearing about the positive impact more travel options will have on local communities.”
The project has also resulted in £1.6 million being invested in businesses across the Glasgow City Region.
More than 350 young people took part in careers and school engagement activities, while employees contributed more than 400 hours of volunteering to local initiatives.
Councillor Owen O’Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said Balgray is the first new railway station in East Renfrewshire in almost 100 years.
He said: “Local residents are very excited about the opening of Balgray station – the first new train station in East Renfrewshire in almost 100 years.
“This new station is going to make a huge difference for our growing community in Barrhead for generations to come – providing greater travel choices and improved access to jobs and services.
“Improving local connectivity is aligned with our long-term strategic vision for East Renfrewshire and an important pillar of our local transport strategy. Balgray station will make it easier to travel between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire, as well to Glasgow city centre, and for visitors to access Dams to Darnley Country Park.
“Strong partnership working has been at the centre of delivering Balgray station. Thank you to the project team and partners who helped to deliver this fantastic new station and to our funding partners, the UK Government and Scottish Government, for their investment and support through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.”
ScotRail will operate half-hourly services from Balgray to Glasgow Central.
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “The opening of Balgray station is fantastic news for Barrhead and the surrounding communities, giving local people a convenient new way to connect with the rail network.
“With half-hourly services to Glasgow Central, the station will make it easier for people to travel for work and leisure. It will play an important part in encouraging more people to choose rail, as an alternative to travelling by car, helping to reduce congestion on our roads.
“Balgray is a great example of how investment in the railway can better connect growing communities and we’re proud to be a part of delivering a station what will serve this area for generations to come. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers to the station from Sunday.”
Photo: A ScotRail train at the new Balgray station in Barrhead ahead of its opening to passengers on Sunday, 27th September.
Photo Credit: Network Rail