Exciting news for people around Glasgow! A brand-new train station is coming to the area, and it’s going to be quite a project. The plans for this new station, called Balgray Station, have just been approved and are set to cost a whopping £18 million.

Where is Balgray Station?

Balgray Station will be built in Barrhead, a lovely place not too far from Glasgow. It will sit right on the Glasgow to Neilston railway line, close to a beautiful spot called the Balgray reservoir. This area is already known for its nice views and green spaces, and now it will have a new train station to make getting around even easier.

Why is This New Station So Exciting?

You might be wondering why everyone is so excited about a new train station. Well, it’s because this station is not just about catching a train. It’s a big part of a plan to connect a new housing development with the rest of the rail network. This means that people living in the new homes will have an easy way to get around, whether they’re heading to work, school, or just going out for a day of fun.

The whole project is supported by a fund of £18.3 million, which will cover the cost of building the station and making sure it’s ready for people to use. Network Rail, which is the company that looks after the railways, has been working with a few important groups to make this happen. They’ve teamed up with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail, and a company called Story Contracting to design and plan the station.

What Will the New Station Have?

Balgray Station will have lots of features to make it really useful and comfortable for passengers. Here’s what you can expect:

Two Platforms: These are where trains will stop so passengers can get on and off. The two platforms will be connected by a footbridge, which will have lifts to help people with pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Waiting Shelters: These are places where passengers can stay dry and warm while they wait for their trains.
Cycle Storage: There will be a place to park bicycles, so people who ride to the station can keep their bikes safe.
Ticket Machines: These machines will help passengers buy tickets for their journeys.

How Will People Get to the Station?

The new station will be easy to get to in several ways:

Footpaths and Cycle Paths: There will be paths for walking and cycling that lead to the station. This will make it convenient for people living nearby to reach the station by walking, wheeling, or riding their bikes.
Car Parking: There will be a car park with 80 spaces for people who prefer to drive. Plus, there will be ten charging points for electric vehicles, so if you drive an electric car, you can charge it while you’re at the station.

What’s the Big Deal About the Path to Dams to Darnley Country Park?

The new station will also include a direct path leading to Dams to Darnley Country Park. This park is a popular spot for people who enjoy outdoor activities like walking and picnicking. With this new path, it will be much easier for visitors to get to the park and enjoy a day out.

What Do the Experts Think?

Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, is really pleased about the new station. She thinks it’s a fantastic example of how new public transport can be combined with new housing. According to her, “This is a great example of integrating new public transport provision with a new housing development. Transport Scotland will be funding the operating and maintenance costs of the station.”

She believes the new station will offer sustainable transport options, making it easier for people to access jobs, education, leisure activities, and business opportunities. Hyslop is hopeful that this innovative approach will inspire others to consider similar plans in the future.

What’s Next?

Now that the plans have been approved, construction will start soon. Building a new station takes time, but once it’s finished, it will be a fantastic addition to the area. People in Barrhead and beyond will benefit from a convenient and modern way to travel.

In summary, the new £18 million Balgray Station near Glasgow is going to bring lots of improvements. With its two platforms, cycle storage, and easy access to nearby areas and parks, it’s set to be a great addition to the local community. So, get ready to hop on a train and explore all the fantastic places this new station will connect you to!