Train station's £14.5m revamp set to begin this summer

Work on a £14.5m redevelopment of a North Lanarkshire station will begin this summer.

ScotRail said a new regional transport integration hub at Motherwell Station will help create a gateway from the town to Glasgow and the rest of central Scotland.

The rail operator has teamed up with North Lanarkshire Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Transport Scotland for the project that will also bring an overhaul to the building and surrounding area.

Work is now set to begin this year, following the appointment of contractors, Balfour Beatty.

The new station will feature a larger concourse, improved ticket facilities, new food and drink outlets, refurbished toilet areas and an expansion of the nearby car park.

Improvements to pedestrian and cycling access, taxi and drop off areas and disabled parking have also been promised.

The project will be delivered in two phases, with the transport integration works to begin in 2021.

Kirsty Devlin, ScotRail head of projects, believes the station will “open up a wealth of possibilities” for the town.

She said: “Motherwell is ready for a railway station that matches the dynamic and forward-looking development of the town.

“The improved integration of transport services and infrastructure will transform the relationship between the station and the town centre.

“It will open up a wealth of possibilities for Motherwell, creating more options and better connections for our customers; for business and leisure travel, and encourage more people to travel in a low-carbon way. It will create a gateway to Glasgow and beyond.”

And councillor Paul Kelly, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This project sees a significant investment in Motherwell town centre to create a modern rail station with improved facilities for passengers, linking to a high-quality bus, train and cycle transport interchange.

“It will provide increased access for local people to jobs, education and training opportunities in Lanarkshire and the rest of central Scotland.”