Plans for new £18m train station approved as project hits latest milestone

A new £18m train station in Barrhead has been officially approved by in the latest milestone for the project.

Balgray station will be built on the Glasgow to Neilston line near the Balgray reservoir.

It is supported by an £18.3m fund and will connect the existing community and housing development to the rail network.

Network Rail has been working with East Renfrewshire Council and Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting on the design of the new station.

The new Balgray station site in East Renfrewshire. Network Rail via Supplied

It will have two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, waiting shelters, cycle storage and ticket machines.

Facilities at the station are set to include shelters, benches, a customer assistance help point, a bus interchange and a three-bay taxi rank.

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “I welcome East Renfrewshire Council’s proposal to use City Deal funding to open a new station at Balgray.

“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.

The car park will have 80 spaces. Network Rail

“The new station will provide sustainable transport options, better connecting people to employment, education, leisure and business opportunities. We welcome this innovative plan for the delivery of a new station and would encourage other promoters to consider this approach.”

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director, Network Rail, said: “A new railway station in this area of Barrhead will be transformative for people who don’t currently use the train, and will also provide a cleaner, greener way to visit the green space and countryside in East Renfrewshire.

“We will work hard with our partners to deliver this new station for our customers and the wider community.”

Work is expected to start in spring next year and be completed by spring 2026. Network Rail via Supplied

In July, a lease was agreed which allowed Network Rail to take over council land on a 175-year deal to provide the parking area at the station.

An access road and bus-turning circle have already been completed. The car park will have 80 spaces and eight blue badge spaces.

There will be stair access and “a step free route via lifts” to the new footbridge over the line.

A direct path from the station to Dams to Darnley Country Park will also be created, allowing easier access for visitors arriving for, and departing after, a day out.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O’Donnell, said: “It’s fantastic news that City Deal funding has been approved for the new Balgray station in Barrhead. Since announcing the new name for the station and how plans were progressing, we’ve had a great response from residents who are excited about the delivery of a much-needed new public transport link.

“It’s going to make a huge difference for our existing community in Barrhead as well as for residents from the new housing developments, making it much easier to access jobs, education and services. It’ll also make Dams to Darnley Country Park more accessible for visitors.”

Work is expected to start in spring next year and be completed by spring 2026.