Plans for a brand-new £18m train station near Glasgow have been approved.
The green light has been given on Balgray station in Barrhead which will be built on the Glasgow to Neilston line near the Balgray reservoir.
It is supported by a £18.3 million 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 to plan and design the new station.
It will have two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, waiting shelters, cycle storage and ticket machines.
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There will be an 80-space car park for passengers, with ten charging points for electric vehicles.
Footpaths and cycle paths will lead into the station and will be easily accessible for residents in nearby homes by walking, wheeling or cycling.
As part of the build, a direct path from the station to Dams to Darnley Country Park will be created, allowing easier access for visitors arriving for, and departing after, a day out.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the plans.
She said: "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 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, 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.”
READ MORE: Plans for new £18m train station submitted to council
We previously reported that in July, a lease was agreed which allowed Network Rail to take over council land on a 175-year deal to provide the car parking area at the station.
A bus turning circle and stop off Springfield Road has already been provided by East Renfrewshire Council in anticipation of the station construction – prioritising transport interchange and enhancing the active travel network in the town.
Network Rail submitted planning permission to the local authority in August.
East Renfrewshire Council is providing £2.6m towards the project while around £15.7m will come from the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
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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."
Craig Lafferty, operations director at Story Contracting (Scotland), added: “Story are really proud to be constructing this new station, which will bring significant benefits to the local community.
"Working in partnership with Network Rail and East Renfrewshire Council, this project will not only enhance the rail network but also provide step-free access between platforms, making Balgray Station accessible to people of all mobility levels.”
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