Work starts on new £18m train station in Barrhead

The station is scheduled to open in autumn 2026

Work has started on a new £18.3m train station in East Renfrewshire.

Balgray station will be built on the Neilston line near to Balgray reservoir in Barrhead, with an expected opening date of autumn 2026 - a slight delay from the original spring target.

It will have two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, waiting shelters and cycle storage, as well as an 80-space car park

The project forms part of a Council initiative to improve transport links throughout the region, making it easier for people to switch between walking, cycling, bus and rail.

The station will be paid for through the Glasgow City Region City Deal - meaning contributions of £7.87m from both the UK and Scottish governments, and £2.56m from East Renfrewshire Council.

Margaret Gibb, the commercial director at Network Rail Scotland, said the station should provide "real change and long-term benefits" for the area.

She said: "Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the Barrhead area.

"The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park."

Network Rail and East Renfrewshire Council representatives break ground on the site

The car park will include electric vehicle charging points, with new walkways linking platforms directly to nearby housing developments and reservoir paths.

Councillor Owen O'Donnell, the leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said transport links would be "greatly improved" by the station.

He added: "Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow."

A lease was agreed in July 2024 to allow Network Rail to take over council land on a 175-year deal to provide the parking area at the station.

Funding for the project was then approved last September.