Ground has officially been broken for the new £18.3 million Balgray railway station, signalling the start of construction for a crucial rail link serving Barrhead and its expanding residential areas.

This development is set to greatly enhance connectivity, making travel to and from Glasgow for work, education, and leisure more accessible, while also improving access to local attractions such as the Dams to Darnley Country Park.

Once complete, the new station will feature two platforms connected by a footbridge equipped with lifts, ensuring accessibility for all passengers. It will also include essential facilities such as waiting shelters, ticket machines, and secure cycle storage, promoting active travel.

The Balgray station project is a key component of the broader Glasgow City Region City Deal, an initiative focused on improving transport infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and encouraging sustainable development across the region. The project is a collaborative effort, being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail, and Story Contracting.

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Margaret Gibb, Commercial Director at Network Rail Scotland, commented: "Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the Barrhead area. The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park. It’s exciting to see work begin on a project that also supports active travel, encouraging more walking and cycling too. We’re proud to be part of a partnership delivering real change and long-term benefits for people in Barrhead and the surrounding area."

Further supporting integrated transport, the station will include an 80-space car park with electric vehicle charging points. New walkways will directly link the platforms to nearby housing developments and scenic reservoir paths, encouraging walking and cycling. Additionally, East Renfrewshire Council has already delivered a new bus turning circle and stop on Springfield Road, strengthening the town’s travel network and facilitating seamless transitions between walking, cycling, bus, and rail.

Councillor Owen O’Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, expressed his delight: "I’m delighted to see work start on the new Balgray station which will greatly improve transport links between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire with stations on the Neilston line – Williamwood, Whitecraigs and Patterton. Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow. We’re proud to be working with our partners on delivering this new station which is one of our biggest City Deal projects."

Preparatory work and planning for the station commenced in October 2023, with the final proposal receiving approval from the Glasgow City Region City Deal panel in September 2024. Construction is set to continue into next year, with the station anticipated to open to passengers in Autumn 2026.