EARLY designs for a new multi-million pound railway station at Robroyston should be finished by spring next year.

It is likely to have park-and-ride spaces for around 400 cars, which will be built in two phases to ensure it meets ­future demand.

Two years ago, city councillors approved outline plans for 1600 homes, a hotel, shops, healthcare and sports ­facilities in the north of Glasgow.

They were told the £300million development would result in an ­expansion of the road network, an underpass below the M80 and a ­potential new train station.

A detailed transport appraisal was carried out and it identified a new station at Rob­royston as a key need.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is working with the city council, Transport Scotland and Network Rail to deliver the initial design phase of the project.

A report from Eric Stewart, SPT's assistant chief executive (operations), said: "This will provide the technical ­requirements for the construction of the station, pedestrian and road access requirements and design of the park and ride and will also provide more detail on the construction costs.

"It is planned this ­design phase will be completed by spring 2015 and in parallel, work will continue with partners to identify a funding package."

Mr Stewart's report says: "The delivery of a rail station and park and ride facilities at Robroy­ston will be a significant strategic enhancement to the rail network in the west of Scotland and will stimulate the development of the Robroyston area as a whole."

SPT chairman Jim Coleman said: "This collaborative venture will see the delivery of a new accessible station, complete with park and ride which will help grow connections to the Rob­royston community.

"I'm delighted SPT can provide expertise and funding for this stage of the project.

"It's a vital transport hub and will, I'm sure, go a long way to help the regeneration of the wider area."

A council spokesman said: "We look forward to the continued regeneration of Robroyston. The proposal for the train station is very interesting and will be considered by a council committee in due course."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk