South Lanarkshire set for ‘major’ transport interchange

Hairmyres Station’s potential design

AN agreement has been reached to fund and develop a ‘major’ transport interchange with park-and-ride facilities in South Lanarkshire.

It comes as part of the East Kilbride enhancements project, which sees the relocation of Hairmyres Station to a new site off Redwood Avenue – approximately 600 metres to the west of its existing location.

Work is set to begin in 2024 on the new 18-acre site and the facility, with Network Rail anticipating it to be completed and operational by the end of the summer.

As part of the project, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, South Lanarkshire Council and SPT will fund and develop a ‘major’ transport interchange with park-and-ride facilities, as well as ‘significant’ electric vehicle charging provisions, active travel improvements, and a new bus interchange at Hairmyres Station.

Network Rail said the East Kilbride enhancements project will play a ‘key’ part in the Scottish Government’s plans to decarbonise Scotland’s rail passenger services by 2035 providing more capacity on the route with greener and quieter trains.

The project will also include the upgrade of East Kilbride Station as well as route-wide platform alterations, accessibility upgrades and a future improvement to the timetable.

Graeme Dey, transport minister, said, “The East Kilbride enhancements project is a central part of our commitment to decarbonise Scotland’s railway by 2035 and is clear evidence that, together with our industry partners, we are delivering on this as early as possible.

“When completed, this project will offer transformative public transport options that will encourage more people out of their cars and onto trains. Improving the passenger experience is pivotal to help drive a shift from road to rail and that is why the new Hairmyres station will be a welcome boost to passengers and the local economy alike.

“As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, electrification projects such as East Kilbride show we can build back not only better but greener too.”

Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, added, “The East Kilbride line is a key transport corridor serving growing communities to the south of Scotland’s largest city.

“The East Kilbride Enhancements Project will help to transform travel on this route, delivering new and upgraded station facilities, more services and more reliable journeys. The project is also vital to our ambitions to decarbonise rail in Scotland by 2035.

“The redevelopment of Hairmyres is a fantastic opportunity to improve the passenger experience and demonstrates what can be achieved when we work collaboratively with our partners.”

Councillor John Anderson, chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Committee, said, “This really is a great move and a win, win for everyone. Anything that improves access to a greater range of public transport options and promotes sustainable commuting opportunities is to be applauded.”