Changes in line for Waverley Station as refurbishment masterplan revealed

A major revamp of Edinburgh’s Waverley station would see a mezzanine floor built above the platforms to create a new concourse with street-level access from a “feature” entrance on Waverley Bridge.

The proposals – expected to cost hundreds of millions of pounds – are outlined in a draft masterplan intended to make the station fit for the future.

With annual passenger numbers expected to double to over 49 million by 2048, Network Rail says changes are essential.

Under the plans, some of the most familiar features of the station – the huge glass roof and the entrance ramps from Waverley Bridge – would disappear.

But Waverley Steps would remain as a pedestrian entrance and the Grade A-listed ticket hall would be made a central feature.

Rail bosses say the new concourse at mezzanine level and access straight from the street would make it much easier for disabled people and those with buggies to use the station.

And a new main taxi rank and drop-off area could be created in Market Street by building up a street-level area from land in the New Street car park.

The masterplan proposals are on display at the station and the public are being asked for their views. Feedback will be considered in drawing up

0 A mezzanine floor will create a new concourse with street-level access at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station

a finalised masterplan in September. It is expected to be five years before any work gets under way.

Alex Hynes, managing director of the Scotrail Alliance, which includes Network Rail Scotland, said: “The work of the masterplan team suggests ambitious improvements to the layout of the station will be required to enable Waverley to meet the future needs of the station, the city and the country.”

The new Waverley Bridge entrance would become the main pedestrian access to the station, designed to capitalise on the stunning views of the Castle, the Old Town and the Scott Monument, making the most of the “sense of arrival” for passengers.

An additional second entrance in Market Street LESLEY MACINNES Transport convener

would link to Calton Road, recreating the route of an old footbridge closed 60 years ago.

The Calton Road entrance would be kept and disabled access from there to the rest of the station would be made easier by the creation of the new

mezzanine concourse, which would also see an increase in the number of retail units. The mezzanine floor would mean the station’s vast glass roof – whose 25,000 panes were renewed as part of a £130m refurbishment project completed in 2012 – would have to be replaced by a new, higher roof.

Rail bosses expect some opposition to the loss of what is a listed structure, but argue they could create something “even more iconic”.

Lesley Macinnes, transport convener at the city council which is a partner in the masterplan process, said a rethink on transport was needed.

She said: “Waverley Station is pivotal to our city’s public transport offering, so it’s essential we provide a modern, accessible facility

to welcome the millions of passengers passing through each year, encouraging trips by train and enabling seamless onward journeys in Edinburgh.”

“It’s essential that we provide a modern, accessible facility to welcome the millions of passengers passing through each year”