THE UK is getting another huge train station and this time it will open near one of the world’s best cities.
Train journeys in East Renfrewshire are set to drastically improve when Balgray Station opens in Barrhead in 2026.
The new train station is being built on the Neilston Line, running between Glasgow and Neilston.
Barrhead is just a 20-minute drive from Glasgow, which was named one of the best cities in the world earlier this year by Time Out.
It was also named one of the best city break destinations in the world by Time Out in 2022.
Glasgow ranked on the list thanks to its independent shops, thriving music scene and cheap grub.
Rail connections to and from the city will improve now £18million of funding has been approved for the new train station.
The new train station is being built near Balgray Reservoir in Barrhead and will have two platforms connected by a footbridge.
There will also be a car park with enough room for 80 vehicles, cycle storage and ticket machines.
A direct path will also link Balgray Station to Darnley Country Park.
Network Rail and East Renfrewshire Council have worked with Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting to design the station.
The new train station is being jointly funded by the Glasgow City Region Deal and East Renfrewshire Council.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told the BBC: “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.”
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director, Network Rail, added: “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.”
Glasgow isn’t the only part of the UK that’s set to benefit from a new train station.
Several brand-new train stations will open across the West Midlands, including Moseley Village Train Station.
Moseley Village Train Station first opened to the public in 1867 before closing down in 1941 as a wartime economy measure.
It will be one of three stations to reopen along the Camp Hill line in Birmingham, with the other two stations being Pineapple Road and Kings Heath.
The new stations will provide regular train services into Birmingham New Street.
Northern Ireland will also benefit from a huge new transport hub when Belfast Grand Central eventually opens.
The £340million station will have eight platforms and 26 bus stands with the capacity to cater up to 20 million passengers each year.
There will also be a retail and leisure space, as well as a new public square for outdoor performances and community events.
Meanwhile, Aldridge station in Walsall, West Midlands, is also set to reopen following a £30million revamp.
While the station closed to passengers in 1965, its tracks have routinely been used for freight services.
SCOTLAND is one of my favourite countries to visit from the sweeping hills of the Highlands to Edinburgh’s electric buzz, it has a bit of something for everyone. And it’s high time Glasgow gets some of that praise too.
First-time visitors should head to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Free to visit, the iconic red sandstone building sits right next to Kelvingrove Park, meaning visitors will be able to spend a whole afternoon at both.
By far one of my favourite activities is nabbing a ticket for a Play, a Pie and a Pint. Based in Glasgow’s West End, tickets to the lunchtime experience include the play, a pie and a drink for just £10. London’s West End should seriously take note.
In my opinion, a visit to Scotland isn’t complete without a dram or two of whisky at the Pot Still. With over 1000 whiskies on the menu, there’s something for everyone. Line your stomach with one of their hearty pies for the perfect evening.
Earlier this year, plans were put forward to transform London Waterloo – the third busiest train station in the UK.
The proposals detailed new entrances, increased space on the station’s concourses and new shops and restaurants.
