Transformation of Glasgow's Queen Street station to continue

The transformation of Glasgow’s Queen Street station is set to continue, with a new building and public plaza.

Plans for the next stage of the redevelopment have been submitted to Glasgow City Council by Network Rail.

Inside the new podium building, there would be a concourse, with access to low-level platforms eight and nine, and retail, food and drink outlets.

It would also connect to the mainline station concourse to create “a one station experience”.

A new concourse mezzanine “will be lined with retail and connect directly to North Hanover Street via a new entrance”, the plans add.

The extension is set to be built on an area previously used as a staff car park and taxi rank.

Queen Street: Plans for the next stage have been submitted to Glasgow City Council. LDRS

“This development will significantly improve the operation of Glasgow Queen Street station,” the application states, adding the upgrade will provide “facilities which today’s passengers now expect in a station”.

The proposed development has been designed to accommodate future commercial office space, which is not part of the current application.

A public plaza is planned for the roof of the new building. This will be a “meanwhile” use, until the future development is planned.

The building will be seen from the street as a ‘wedge’ – emerging from the ground towards the Millennium Hotel.

Station: The development is part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme. LDRS

Plans state: “This podium project is recognised as the first step in a bigger project for the site and as such the remit for the podium includes delivery of a flexible development deck, which can enable the delivery of 300,000 sq ft of commercial buildings by others in the future.

“The overarching ambition is that when complete the site will be an integrated, innovative, commercial hub bringing together a key transport hub, Grade A office and retail tenant space.

“It is expected that people will dwell on the mezzanine and watch the activity of the concourse below while enjoying a meal or drink.”

The recent £120m redevelopment of Queen Street station, including the new building, expanded concourse and improved entrances, was part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme – a Scottish Government investment in railway infrastructure.

By local democracy reporter Drew Sandelands