LUDDON Construction has completed works on the near £5 million revamp of Stirling train station.
The new look station was celebrated at an opening ceremony featuring Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway; Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council’s environment, transport, and net zero committee; transport minister Fiona Hyslop; and Karen McGregor, Scotland director for Sustrans.
A ‘key’ feature of the revamp is the creation of a secure CyclePoint, which offers more than 140 additional cycle parking spaces and increases the total amount of cycle spaces at the station to over 200.
It aligns with the local authority’s walk, cycle, live Stirling scheme, which aims to foster an active travel culture in the city, improve accessibility, and achieve sustainable transportation options.
The council said that, combining active travel and public transport, the project encourages a greener and healthier way of commuting while contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant community.
The roundabout on Goosecroft Road has alsoi been removed and replaced with a new entrance to the south car park along A9 Burghmuir Road, which has streamlined the parking process at the station as well as allowed for enhanced traffic flow, and created a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
A new ‘state-of-the-art’ gated entry and exit system with car registration plate recognition has been installed in the south car park, and an additional two blue badge parking bays have been created at the entrance of the north car park, increasing the number of accessible parking bays at the station to ten. Two electric vehicle car parking bays are also available within the north car park.
Customer facilities within the station have received ‘significant’ improvement as part of the redevelopment. The customer lounge and accessible toilet on Platform 2 has seen a ‘comprehensive’ refurbishment, including the installation of new floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture to enhance the overall comfort and aesthetics. Similar renovations have taken place in the customer lounge between Platform 3 and 6.
Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, said, “The redevelopment of Stirling Railway station marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing a sustainable and accessible transport network.
“This project has delivered safe pedestrian and cycle friendly areas, and it also helps promote multimodal train travel as we continue with our commitment to delivering better environments for sustainable transport options.
“The refurbished customer lounges and upgraded facilities, including new CyclePoint and more blue badge parking, will greatly enhance the overall experience of customers using the station.
“It’s a truly transformational change for the station and its surrounding area, benefiting both ScotRail customers and locals. The successful completion of the project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved to provide a first-class service while contributing to the Scottish Government’s ambitious emissions reduction goals.”
Councillor Preston added, “This transformation makes Stirling an even more appealing destination and people will benefit from greater active travel options and sustainable ways to get to and from the station, whether by bus, walking or wheeling.
“By linking to our ‘walk, cycle, live Stirling’ projects, the station is now more connected than ever before to businesses, as well as leisure, educational and tourism destinations across the city centre and beyond.
“Visually, the station looks stunning and this programme of improvements will deliver a local economic boost by encouraging more people to visit Stirling and surrounding areas as we head into the main tourism season.”
