IT'S full steam ahead for plans to relocate a busy East Kilbride railway station after a blueprint for the new site was unveiled.
Proposals for the revamped Hairmyres will see the creation of a "major interchange" with park-and-ride facilities, significant electric vehicle charging provisions, active travel improvements and a new bus hub just 600 metres to the west of the existing location.
Work is set to begin in 2024 on the new 18 acre site, with it being completed and operational by the end of the summer.
READ MORE: Full steam ahead in plans to improve Glasgow Central to East Kilbride line
It is part of a multi-million pound East Kilbride Enhancements Project, which will also see overhead powerlines installed along the Glasgow Central to East Kilbride route.
Graeme Dey, transport minister, said: “The East Kilbride Enhancements Project is a central part of our commitment to decarbonise Scotland’s Railway by 2035 and is clear evidence that, together with our industry partners, we are delivering on this as early as possible.
“When completed, this project will offer transformative public transport options that will encourage more people out of their cars and onto trains. Improving the passenger experience is pivotal to help drive a shift from road to rail and that is why the new Hairmyres station will be a welcome boost to passengers and the local economy alike.
“As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, electrification projects such as East Kilbride show we can build back not only better but greener too.”
Funding for the project has been provided by Scotland’s Railway, South Lanarkshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “The East Kilbride line is a key transport corridor serving growing communities to the south of Scotland’s largest city.
“The East Kilbride Enhancements Project will help to transform travel on this route, delivering new and upgraded station facilities, more services and more reliable journeys. The project is also vital to our ambitions to decarbonise rail in Scotland by 2035."
Councillor John Anderson, chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Committee, said: “This really is a great move and a win, win for everyone. Anything that improves access to a greater range of public transport options and promotes sustainable commuting opportunities is to be applauded.
“Active travel is high on the council’s agenda. The facilities that this new station will not only provide everyone with more environmentally friendly modes of transport, but also bring more accessible retail opportunities to the wider community.”
Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, SPT chair, said: “SPT is proud to be funding and working alongside partners in helping deliver a new transport interchange and strategic park and ride at the relocated Hairmyres station."
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