Appeal to restore rail station
A RAILWAY station that has not been open for more than 100 years could be restored.
Activists want to see if there is public support for another rail link in the area, which has not had a station since the original closed in 1917.
FINNIESTON railway station could be restored after more than 100 years under ambitious new plans.
Community council activists are gauging if there is public support for another rail link in the area, which has experienced business and property boom in recent years and was voted the ‘hippest place to live’ in the UK.
Finnieston railway station opened in 1860 but closed less than 60 years later and was situated opposite Lebowski’s bar on Argyle Street, under the existing railway bridge.
Supporters of the plan – which would ultimately be the decision of Network Rail – say the area merits a dedicated stop due to the surge in visitor numbers and proximity to tourist attractions including Kelvingrove Art Gallery. They say it would also ease pressure on the Exhibition Centre stop.
The Local Rail Develop Fund has set aside £2m to explore opportunities for new stations on rail network. It was established by the Scottish Government and is administered by Transport Scotland.
Lee Grant, Chairman of Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council said: “We have had a lot of fantastic, independent businesses coming in, which have played a massive role in the growth of the area.
“We’ve got Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow University on our doorstop and it would ease pressure on Exhibition Centre.
“Argyle Street is also also breaching all the EU pollution laws and there is only one bus line – a No6 – serving the area. We’ve got one station (Exhibition Centre) serving a very busy area.”
While any plan could take up to 15 years to come to fruition, it has received a positive response from our readers.
John Paterson said: “The more new stations the better. You can clearly see where the old one was.”
Iain MacDonald said: “I don’t see any reason why this isn’t a good idea.”
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “Ultimately, the decision on restoring train stations lies with Network Rail.
“However, we would always be interested in hearing proposals on how best to develop travel services in the city.”