Network Rail predicts the construction to take 12 months starting in September this year.
Among great expectations are spacious design, bright colour scheme, better lighting and innovative technology to meet all modern accessibility standards.
The Department for Transport has selected Anniesland for renovation as a part of the Control Period 6 (2019-2024).
£16.6bn was issued for renewing the existing railway, £4m of which went to Anniesland.
Previous projects carried out under Control Period 6 include Croy, Johnston, Port Glasgow and Uddingston.
According to Network Rail, the government decides which stations gets a new project mainly according to its footfall.
The company has also spoken to disabled groups to ensure they are involved in planning. Among them are Kelvindale Access Group, Glasgow Disability Alliance and more. Engaging with those communities have “standardised [railway’s] access points”, said Michael McArthur, the project manager.
The project was designed using AutoCad and Revit and presented at the meeting in a video format.
Initially lifts were planned to be installed in the existing footbridge located in the centre of the station. However, later the project team made a decision in favour of the street access and moved the lifts outside to Great Western Road.
Modern double-sided lifts will have roofs and permanent light outside. The path between platform entrances under the railway bridge will get lighting as well.
The brick corners on either side of the station are going to be demolished. It will add more space to access the lifts as well as feature a concrete monolith with the station’s name.
Since the construction is going to take place near the road, only one out of three lanes will remain open. Network Rail says it works closely with the traffic management to minimise potential disruptions.
The company also plans to install signs and information boards to help pedestrians divert their route safely. Among those are crowds of school students who use Anniesland station every day.
Local people who came to the meeting were generally happy with the project. According to one of the visitors, Ellen, Anniesland today is suitable only for those who are “fit to use it” and “It doesn’t feel safe when you have reduced mobility.”
Currently people who need accessibility adjustments avoid using the station altogether and opt out for bus instead.
All images are courtesy of Network Rail.
