GLASGOW has agreed an £8million overhaul of Dalmarnock Station as part of moves to create a world-class transport system ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Railway station at Dalmarnock in £8m overhaul
By Damien HendersonGLASGOW has agreed an £8million overhaul of Dalmarnock Station as part of moves to create a world-class transport system ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The dilapidated train station, described as the "gateway to the Games", will be entirely rebuilt with lift access to platforms, a new station building and covered passenger area under plans being progressed by the council together with transport and development agencies.
Despite regular train services connecting it to Glasgow, Hamilton and Motherwell, few passengers use the station, which has been described as unsafe and unpleasant, except to attend games at Celtic Park.
The redevelopment is seen as one of the first moves to extend the transport legacy of Glasgow's 2014 Games to ensure tangible benefits are left for the city's citizens after the athletes have departed.
It is planned to tie in with a major economic regeneration of Glasgow's East End, where development agency Clyde Gateway is hoping to create 20,000 additional jobs.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), which is leading the redevelopment plans, had expressed concerns, shared by the council, that the current station facilities would be a blight on Glasgow's reputation if used by athletes and Games officials.
It is just five minutes' walk from the new Athletes' Village, National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome.
Robert Booth, director of land and environmental services at Glasgow City Council, said: "Dalmarnock Station is the gateway to the East End of the city and Games area.
"There has been a recognition by the Scottish Government, the council, SPT and Clyde Gateway that the condition of the station has to be addressed."
Alistair Watson, chair of SPT, added: "Dalmarnock Station is at the heart of the Games area and only minutes away from Glasgow city centre. SPT has always said it will be a vital transport hub for 2014 and a big part of the regeneration of the area.
"Early development work has been done and we're now looking to work with our partners on how the future funding to deliver a new station can be achieved."
The station, which is on the Argyle low-level line, was heavily used up until the 1960s, when the East End was still a bustling centre of economic activity.
But its decline has mirrored the fortunes of the area, which is in Scotland's top 5% "most deprived" and has high levels of unemployment.
The station currently has no covered or heated waiting area for the public, poor accessibility for disabled passengers and is regarded as unsafe and unpleasant, according to a paper prepared by Gordon McLennan, SPT's assistant chief executive.
Its location, on Swanston Street off the main road, also led to poor awareness among the public, the report found.
Following discussions between SPT, Glasgow City Council, Clyde Gateway and government agency Transport Scotland, four options were identified for improving the station, ranging from a complete overhaul to "cosmetic" improvements, including a repaint of the existing facilities.
The plans are now expected to be put to Network Rail, the not-for-profit company that runs the railways, for detailed investigation into costed options, following approval by SPT on Friday.
WHAT YOU THINK... | ||||
 JAMES RAMSEY, 46, Hamilton, support worker:"I think it needs an electronic display for train times. I use a lot of different stations and this is the only one without one. It's the worst station that I use." |  LAUREN STEWART, 60, Dalmarnock, retired:"There is no Sunday service, so that would be an improvement. The stairs are steep and slippy which can be dangerous, especially if it's raining. And an entrance at the other side would also be good." |  MANSON SMITH, 20, Hogganfield, joiner:"The station is rubbish basically. The track has trees growing all along the side of it, it's always flooding and the trains are never on time." | ||
 HARRIET HARRIS, 52, Dalmarnock, retired:"It's never maintained. And its really eerie at night. There are so many things that need improved that I don't even know where to start." |  ANDY MOORE, 66, Tollcross, retired:"We need Moses! It floods so badly down here, he could part the water to let the train pass through safely." |  TOMMY DOHERTY, 46, Govanhill, civil engineer:"The station isn't really used, It could use a good clean up and a new entrance on the other side of the tracks." |
The Evening Times understands a funding package has been agreed in principle between SPT, Clyde Gateway and Glasgow City Council that will cover the more ambitious options, expected to cost between £7m and £8m.
SPT is expected to request £2m from the council and the same sum from Clyde Gateway and has also made an application for European funding for £2.76m, with the remainder expected to be found from its own budget.
James McNally, the council's executive member for land and environmental services, said: "The Commonwealth Games give Glasgow some great opportunities to develop and expand the projects we are already delivering to promote public transport use; reduce our reliance on the private car, and improve air quality.
"We will be working with the organising company and our existing partners to ensure the city not only moves smoothly during the Games, but enjoys the benefits for generations to come."
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: "We are aware of the interest in the redevelopment of Dalmarnock Station in advance of the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
"The feasibility of this redevelopment work is one of the subjects currently under discussion with our partners at Glasgow City Council, SPT, Network Rail and ScotRail.
"The focus of these discussions will be on how Glasgow's transport infrastructure can best meet the demands placed on it by the two-week Games, while continuing to serve the people of the city for years into the future."
