Work starts on new £5m station

Brian Hossack • Published 4 Mar 2010 14:00

WORK began yesterday on the new £5m Gourock railway station.

Construction teams started preparation of the site which will see a new station building erected, a renovation of platforms and canopies and a covered walkway built to the ferry terminal.

The surrounding roads will also be improved to improve access to bus and taxi services, while the north wall will be refurbished to include glazed sections offering picturesque sea views.

Network Rail is hoping to complete the first stage of the project by November.

Inverclyde Council's regeneration convener, Jim Clocherty, said the new facility will play a key role in revolutionising the town's transport infrastructure.

He added: "The new station is at the heart of redevelopment plans for the whole waterfront and it will greatly improve passenger facilities and road, rail and ferry links. Network Rail has shown its commitment to Gourock with this investment and I am sure everyone in the town will recognise the significance of what is being undertaken."

The new station is one of several improvements within Inverclyde, with Wemyss Bay station also earmarked for more than £4m of renovation work.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Scottish director, said: "The new station is a significant investment in the future of Gourock and we are glad to now be making real progress towards giving passengers the facilities they deserve.

"This development will bring real benefits to Gourock, enhancing transport facilities and ensuring the station makes an impressive first impression on visitors to the town."

Once the main station works are finished, the second phase of the project will see the demolition of redundant buildings at the station and the renovation of its platforms and seawall. Between winter 2010 and December 2011, a new platform canopy will also be installed and the north wall refurbished to include glazed sections offering unobstructed sea views.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 04 Mar 10

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