North Lanarkshire Council has welcomed a major milestone in the redevelopment of Motherwell railway station, with the successful completion of the installation of an eye-catching new glazed dome roof.

More than 140 glass panels were fitted to form the new roof, creating a brighter and more modern station.

The completion of the roof, and front façade, has enabled work to begin on the interior of the new, larger concourse, forecourt, and ticket office.

Interior works will now continue with the installation of new flooring and lighting, before the new ticket gate, ticket office, and retail space are fitted.

While interior work takes place, the way customers access the station will change slightly, with customers accessing the concourse through the new main entrance to the station, via a pathway that will move nightly to facilitate ongoing work within the building.

Work on the redeveloped station building is expected to complete in Spring 2023.

The council is also continuing with its work to make improvements to the public realm outside of the station, creating a new transport interchange next to the station on Muir Street, with support from the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

This work includes an expanded bus facility, new station access road, car drop-off area and blue-badge parking, as well as improved facilities for taxis, pedestrians, and cycle access, which will improve links between bus and train services as well as reducing congestion in the town centre.

-- Advertisement --

The expanded bus stop and widened paved areas will reopen to use this month. Work on the new taxi rank and access road is also nearing completion and will be opened before completion of the station redevelopment.

Once complete the whole project will deliver:

• An enhanced station forecourt and building with glazed roof and brighter, larger concourse.

• Improved ticket retailing facilities.

• Enhanced retail opportunities.

• Upgraded staff facilities.

• Refurbished customer toilets and waiting facilities.

• Improvements to pedestrian and cycling access.

• Improved rail/bus interchange on Muir Street.

• New facilities for taxis, car drop-offs, and disabled parking.

John MacDonald, ScotRail Senior Project Manager, said: "It's great to see the progress made on Motherwell station's redevelopment. The completion of the new domed glass roof is a major milestone for the project.

"The roof's eye-catching design not only creates a brighter, more modern station, but it also fits the forward-looking perspective of the town, and its completion means that work can now take place to refurbish the interior of the new expanded concourse, ticket office, and retail space.

"Making rail an attractive option is a key aspect of our recovery from the pandemic, and I believe that the improvements being made at Motherwell station will help to encourage more people back to the railway."

Councillor Paul Kelly, Council Depute Leader, said: "The redevelopment of Motherwell station combined with the improved transport links on Muir Street will deliver major benefits for residents, businesses, and commuters.

"Connections between trains, buses, and taxis will be improved as well as walking and cycling links, making it easier for everyone to travel locally, across Lanarkshire and beyond."

SPT chair Councillor Stephen Dornan said: "SPT is very proud to support this project and work in partnership with ScotRail and North Lanarkshire Council in its delivery.

"The redevelopment of Motherwell train and bus interchange which SPT is also providing funding towards, as well as improved active travel routes in the area will mean local communities will have many more sustainable travel choices as an alternative to using cars."