FINNIESTON railway station could be restored after more than 100 years under ambitious new plans.

Community council activists are gauging if there is public support for another rail link in the area, which has experienced a property and business boom in recent years and was voted the ‘hippest place to live’ in the UK. 

Finnieston railway station opened in 1860 but closed less than 60 years later and was situated opposite Lebowski’s bar on Argyle Street, under the existing railway bridge.

Supporters of the plan - which would ultimately be the decision of Network Rail - say the area merits a dedicated stop due to the surge in visitor numbers and proximity to tourist attractions including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and say it would also help ease pressure on the Exhibition Centre stop at peak times, particularly when concerts are being held at the SEC Campus.

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The Local Rail Develop Fund has set aside £2m to explore opportunities for new stations, It was established by the Scottish Government and is administered by Transport Scotland.

Lee Grant, chairman of Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council, said: “There is funding at the moment from elected representatives for looking at potential, new routes.

“We have had a lot of fantastic, independent businesses coming in, which have played a massive role in the growth of the area. 

"We've got Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow University on our doorstop and it would ease pressure on Exhibition Centre and there is also the link to the Edinburgh line.

"Argyle Street is also also breaching all the EU pollution laws and there is only one bus line - 6 - serving the area.

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"We've got one station (Exhibition Centre) serving a very busy area.

"It's a long way off and could take between 10 and 15 years."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “Ultimately, the decision on restoring train stations lies with Network Rail.However, we would always be interested in hearing proposals on how best to develop travel services in the city.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Network Rail is not currently investigating the potential to reopen a station in this location, but we're always available to discuss proposals to expand Scotland’s railway where they are supported by a viable business case and meet a clear customer need.”