Network Rail has announced the successful completion of a £4 million programme of accessibility works at Anniesland Station.

The project, funded by the Department for Transport's Access for All (AfA) scheme, aims to enhance accessibility within stations for individuals with impaired mobility or those traveling with luggage, children, or bicycles.

Unlike most AfA projects, which typically involve installing new components on the platforms, Anniesland's lifts were strategically placed at street level on either side of the railway bridge on Great Western Road. This unique approach provides a more convenient and accessible experience for passengers.

The new lifts are a significant improvement for the station, making it easier for everyone to travel by train. This investment demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that public transportation is accessible to all.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "Anniesland station being made step-free is an important development in improving rail accessibility.

"Enabling people to take the journeys they want, how they want, is crucial to ensuring passengers can travel with confidence."

Along with Story Contracting, Network Rail began work at Anniesland in autumn 2023 and the lifts were installed during a major overnight operation in June this year.

Representatives from the project team welcomed Patricia Ferguson, MP for Glasgow West, and a few other stakeholders back to the station on Friday, 04 October.

They saw first-hand the work which has been carried out and to mark the completion of the project.

During her visit, Ms Ferguson heard about some of the challenges involved in working on this scheme at Anniesland, which has a rich mining history.

This included carrying out extensive preparatory work before the 12-meter-tall lift towers being installed and agreeing on various traffic management changes with Glasgow City Council to provide enough space for the team to work safely.

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Further, careful consideration was made in relation to the visual impact of the design, including using red and grey brick to tie in with the existing structure.

Patricia Ferguson, MP for Glasgow West, said: "Anniesland station connects communities with Glasgow's massive suburban railway, and the wider rail network.

"The upgrades make it easier for anyone with impaired mobility, travelling with children, push chairs, or even heavy luggage to travel by train so it really is a worthwhile project.

"The station turns 150 years old later this month, so I appreciate the amount of work that's gone into designing and installing this unique step-free solution that's in keeping with the local area.

"Thanks to Network Rail and Story Contracting for carrying out the upgrades with the support of Department for Transport/Transport Scotland and Glasgow City Council."

Amanda Naughton, Network Rail, scheme project manager, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ms Ferguson back to Anniesland station to mark the opening of two new lifts to improve accessibility and enable more people to travel by train.

"This work is part of the Access for All scheme. But Anniesland is an excellent example that these projects aren't ‘one size fits all. Installing the lift towers in the railway embankment to provide step-free access from street level on Great Western Road to the platforms is a solution we are very proud of.

"Thank you to passengers and those living and working near Anniesland station for their  patience and understanding as we completed this important work which we hope will be of great benefit to the local and wider community alike."

Damian Briody, head of rail projects and technical services, Transport Scotland, said: "It's great to see step-free access being delivered on time at Anniesland. I'm sure it'll be welcomed by passengers and encourage more people to use Scotland's Railway.

"The solution decided upon, with lifts direct from street level to the platforms, is the sort of passenger focused thinking we love to see. It'll make a real difference to those with reduced mobility, kids in prams, bikes or luggage travelling on our railways. A huge well done to the team who've delivered it.

"I know Ministers would like thank all those involved for delivering this on time. Thanks are also extended to passengers and local communities for their patience during the works."

Anniesland's street-level lift entrance is offset from the pavement with a glazed canopy and an illuminated vertical concrete plinth sign with the station name.

Brian O'Hare, Contracts Manager, Story Contracting, said: "Story Contracting have worked in close collaboration with Network Rail, ScotRail, and Glasgow City Council to successfully provide step free access to Anniesland Station.

"It has been a complex and challenging project due to the site constraints however the project team, with support of our key supply chain partners, have overcome these challenges to safely deliver a step-free solution that fits seamlessly into the local area" 

Regular station users Jennifer Murray and her partner Gerz also attended Anniesland station on Friday, alongside staff members from ScotRail, who manage the station. The team helped the couple familiarise themselves with new lifts.

David Lister, ScotRail Safety and Sustainability Director, said: "The Access for All scheme is an important initiative for Scotland's Railway, dedicated to delivering enhanced accessibility at many of our stations across the network.

"ScotRail is delighted to see the opening of the new lifts at Anniesland, allowing step-free access to both platforms for our customers.

"We are pleased to have been able to support our colleagues at Network Rail in delivering this new facility, further enhancing our commitment to a more inclusive and accessible railway network for all."