THE £120 million redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street has been recognised with the unveiling of a National Railway Heritage Award (NRHA) at the station.
Balfour Beatty led the Network Rail, Transport Scotland, and ScotRail project, which commenced in 2017 and concluded in 2021 – remaining open throughout the entirety of works.
Funded by the Scottish Government, the redevelopment sees the station as a key part of Scotland’s continued drive towards decarbonising the rail network, with it allowing for new longer and greener electric trains to operate from the station.
The project also ensured Queen Street’s rich, 180-year-old heritage continues to remain an integral part of the station environment, which the NRHA Special Chairman’s Award sought to recognise.
Several of the cast-iron Victorian columns hidden for over 50-years were uncovered and thoughtfully reinstated during the work. The concourse doubled in size (from 900m2 to 2002m2) to open up the station and allows passengers to enjoy views of the Grade A Listed train-shed and historic fan-shaped gable, as well as the surrounding cityscape.
Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, said, “The collaborative approach of the team – from architects, engineers and contractors to station colleagues – throughout the redevelopment of Queen Street contributed to the successful delivery of this project and this award is further recognition of their professionalism.
“Queen Street has also become much more than a station. Not only does it provide sustainable travel for thousands of passengers – it’s also a vibrant public space in the heart of Glasgow that’s enjoyed by the wider community.”
Ahead of the event at Queen Street, a plaque unveiling also took place at Stirling Station – recipient of the NRHA’s Great Western Railway Craft Skills award. This award recognises the best use of traditional craft skills in the restoration of a building and was awarded to the Network Rail team responsible for delivering a £3 million investment to refurbish the non-glazed roofs of the Grade A Listed station.
As sponsor of the Network Rail Community Award, the day ended with Alex Hynes presenting an NRHA plaque to Scottish Canals for the restoration of Bowline viaduct as a new cycleway in Bowling.
Alex Hynes said, “Bowline viaduct is a great asset for the wider community and visitors alike to enjoy. The restoration is a wonderful way to repurpose and preserve an important railway structure. Congratulations to all who had the vision and determination to make this possible.”
Tricia Hill, head of placemaking at Scottish Canals, added, “Scottish Canals is delighted to receive this plaque as permanent recognition for the Bowline project and the contribution this has made to the local community and active travel connections. We look forward to welcoming many more walkers, cyclists and wheelers to enjoy this unique space.”
Andy Savage, chairman of the National Rail Heritage Association, commented, “Glasgow Queen Street and Bowline Viaduct are such worthy winners of National Railway Heritage Awards.
“Both projects sought to preserve important historical elements of our railway assets. At the same time, they also regenerated each one by enhancing a station building that is now fit for 21st-century travel and by breathing new life into a viaduct for community use that can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
