PLANS to create an improved transport interchange at Motherwell Railway Station have been approved by the Glasgow city region cabinet.
The development will see a ‘high-quality’ interchange centre developed for bus, train and bike transport in front of the station, which is currently undergoing a £14.5 million redevelopment.
The £3.5 million project will include an expanded bus facility on Muir Street, new arrangements for taxis, car drop-offs and disabled parking adjacent to the station, a reconfigured station forecourt, pedestrian and cycle network improvements, and expansion of the park and ride at Farm Street.
North Lanarkshire Council, who will work on the development alongside ScotRail and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, said that the work will aim to make it easier to use public transport and improve links between bus and train services, while also reducing road congestion. This includes plans for potential increased bus services to and from Ravenscraig as the site is developed in future.
Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the enterprise and housing committee at North Lanarkshire Council, “This is a major development for Motherwell town centre which will improve access to public transport and job opportunities for local people not only in North Lanarkshire but to the rest of central Scotland. It also links to our wider city deal projects which will see the new roads between Cumbernauld, Airdrie, Ravenscraig and the M74 alongside investment at Eurocentral. All these initiatives will bring new business and jobs to the area, opening up links with the rest of the Scotland the UK and giving a huge boost to the local economy.
“Approval of the Motherwell rail station hub project by the Glasgow city region cabinet is a significant step forward for the council and our partners in making our plans a reality.”
ScotRail Alliance transport integration manager, Desmond Bradley, added, “We recognise the need for investment at Motherwell as it’s an important rail hub and interchange station. This new transport hub opens up a wealth of possibilities for Motherwell, creating more options and better connections for our customers; for business and leisure travel.
“Once complete, the relationship between the station and Motherwell town centre will be completely transformed – all part of our plans to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.”
SPT chief executive, Gordon Maclennan, commented, “Developing a transport interchange at Motherwell Rail station will increase and improve public transport options and will be a significant contributor to economic development. SPT has worked closely with the local council and ScotRail to progress plans for the interchange which we are delighted to see come to fruition.”
