ScotRail has confirmed that work on the second phase of the redevelopment of Motherwell station will start next week.
From Monday, 24 August, and over the next six months, the redevelopment work will focus on the main station building which will see changes to how customers access platform 2 and 3.
The main stairwell to platform 2 and 3 will close to make way for a larger concourse area, and the mezzanine level of the station will be refurbished with new lighting, flooring, ceilings, and a glazed roof.
Customers will access platform 2 and 3 via a ramp to the side of the station building, which will add some additional time to their journey – particularly customers travelling to and from platform 2. All lifts to station platforms will remain in operation throughout the works.
A new, larger, ScotRail lounge will also be created between platform 2 & 3.
So far, the project has seen the demolition of an old building at the bottom of platform 1, which has made way for a new staff car park.
The taxi rank at the front of Motherwell station has closed to make way for staff portacabins, however taxi pick up and drop off remains available on Muir Street. Changes have also been made to the provision of blue badge parking, reducing from three bays to two.
An overhaul of the public realm outside the station building will take place in 2021, improving links between bus and train services as well as reducing congestion.
Once complete, the £14.5m project will deliver:
- An enhanced station forecourt and building with glazed roof and brighter, larger concourse.
- Improved ticket retailing facilities.
- Enhanced retail environment with food and drink offering.
- Refurbished customer toilets and waiting facilities.
- Improvements to pedestrian and cycling access.
- Expansion of bus facility on Muir Street.
- New facilities for taxis, car drop-offs and disabled parking.
- Expansion of nearby park and ride facilities at Farm Street.
John MacDonald, ScotRail Senior Project Manager, said:
“We’re now entering an exciting phase of the redevelopment project as we begin work on the main station building.
“The next six months will see changes to how customers access the station platforms, and while we appreciate this is inconvenient in the short-term, we’ll be working hard to minimise disruption to their journey.
“In the long-term, the redevelopment of Motherwell station will transform facilities for customers and create a gateway to Glasgow, and beyond.
“It will open up a wealth of possibilities for Motherwell, creating more options and better connections for our customers; for business and leisure travel, and encourage more people to travel in a low-carbon way.”
Bill Reeve, Transport Scotland’s Director of Rail, said:
“I welcome today’s announcement that work is to start on the next phase of the redevelopment of Motherwell station. This exciting development which is being delivered by ScotRail will transform passenger access and facilities at the station.
“This is continuing evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to Scotland’s Railway, particularly at this critical time as we plan our recovery from this devastating pandemic.”
Councillor Paul Kelly, Depute Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said:
“This improvement work at Motherwell station is the next stage in a major redevelopment of the transport facilities in Motherwell, which will see the creation of a new hub for people travelling by train, bus, taxi or bike.
“Next year, we will start work to construct a new railway station access road, using vacant land on Muir Street, as well as a new taxi rank and improvements to bus facilities, pedestrian crossings and active travel. This is part of our Glasgow City Region City Deal programme to improve the transport network across North Lanarkshire, making it easier for people to travel for work, education and training and to open access to the Ravenscraig regeneration site.”
Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, SPT Chair, said:
“It is excellent to see progress being made on the Motherwell station redevelopment which when finished will deliver a much improved public realm and transport hub with better links between bus and train services offering more public transport options for both the local community and commuters.
“Working in partnership is clearly the best way to deliver high-quality public transport and active travel links and SPT is delighted to be part of this key infrastructure project.”