People in Barrhead will be able to travel by train from the new £18.3m Balgray station for the first time this weekend when it officially opens on Sunday 27 September.
Built to serve one of East Renfrewshire’s growing communities, the station will encourage more people to choose rail, with convenient links to Glasgow and the wider rail network. As well as improving access to jobs, education and leisure opportunities, the station will make it easier for visitors to reach local attractions, including the nearby Dams to Darnley Country Park.
Part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, the station has been funded by the UK Government (£7.87m), Scottish Government (£7.87m) and East Renfrewshire Council (£2.57m). It has been delivered ahead of schedule and within budget by Network Rail in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.
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.”
Balgray station has been designed to make travelling by train a more attractive and accessible choice, with step-free access via lifts, secure cycle storage, waiting shelters with WiFi, ticket machines and an 80-space car park with electric vehicle charging points. New walking routes also link the station with nearby homes and local paths.
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.”
The station will play an important role in supporting sustainable travel, making it easier for more people to leave the car at home and choose public transport for everyday journeys.
Cabinet Secretary 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 delivered benefits beyond the railway, with £1.6 million invested in local 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 support local initiatives.
Councillor Owen O’Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, 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.”
From Sunday, ScotRail services will begin calling at Balgray, giving people in and around Barrhead a new way to access Glasgow and the wider rail network.
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.”