PLANS to redevelop Queen Street Station could have a detrimental impact on travel in the city centre, transport bosses warned.

Network Rail is extending the station to accommodate longer platforms, and it will be connected to an expanded Buchanan Galleries shopping centre with new car park and ­access walkways on different levels.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has written to Network Rail seeking assurances on a number of issues that occur when connecting the station with other modes of travel throughout the city.

They are concerned about Fastlink, bus connections with Central Station, access for disabled passengers, the impact on Buchanan Street Bus Station and the Maryhill suburban train line to Anniesland Station.

Network Rail is currently consulting on the station works which include the demolition of SPT headquarters Consort House in West George Street and part of the Millennium Hotel.

SPT said it recognised the opportunity to improve a key gateway into Glasgow and the west of Scotland, but stated: "The redevelopment is likely to have significant impacts on the wider transport network during the proposed development period and beyond".

In a report to SPT councillors to be considered this week, Eric Stewart, assistant chief executive and Gordon Maclennan, chief executive of SPT, outlined the potential concerns.

Platform work will be carried out one at a time, reducing capacity from seven to six, with fears the Maryhill service could be reduced as a result.

The report said: "SPT will seek assurance that the proposal to lengthen High Level platforms will not result in any diminution of suburban rail services such as Maryhill.

"SPT welcomes the recent decision by ScotRail to extend Maryhill line services to Sunday operations and will continue to press for Maryhill services to be included in the EGIP programme."

Access to the station is also of concern.

The report states: "Based on the information available, SPT has concerns that proposed internal operation of the station for passengers will not be as effective and efficient as it could be.

"For example, the proposed location of the taxi rank is some distance from the platforms and the ­ticket office which could cause a difficulty for those with limited mobility."

Mr Maclennan also wrote to Network Rail on the issues over the disposal of land at the Queen Street Station site.

He again supported the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh line and redevelopment of the station, but outlined concerns over the removal of the car park and new one being built.

He said it would "place major pressure on the junction at Hanover Street and Killermont Street which in turn affects Buchanan bus station and hence the entire bus network across Glasgow and the wider region".

The work on Queen Street station is expected to start later this year and last five years, with completion by 2019.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk