Partick Interchange rebuilding
Background
Introduction
The existing Partick station was opened in 1979 as part of the modernisation of the Subway and the Glasgow Clyde Rail project. It replaced Partickhill British Rail Station, built in 1887, and Merkland Street Subway Station, built in 1896.
SPT has had its sights set on modernising Partick Interchange for many years. It is now over 25 years old and urgently needs to be upgraded to meet the increasing volume of passengers and the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act as well as to improve the change over between bus, train and Subway services.
In 1998 a feasibility study was commissioned which looked at several options for redeveloping the Interchange. This allowed SPT to establish a basic outline for the engineering work and the likely cost and to put together a preferred option for the project.
Now, after nearly a decade of planning and negotiations, the project has moved from the drawing board to the building site.
The new interchange
Partick is Scotland’s fifth busiest public transport interchange and one of the best used hubs in the SPT network, with 4 million travellers passing through it each year. As the exciting regeneration programme of the surrounding area continues apace, Partick’s position in the heart of Glasgow’s west end means the station is set to become even busier.
The project’s main challenge is to keep the station and its train, bus and Subway services running normally throughout the construction programme, which is due to be completed in 2008.
SPT delivering
The design and build contract was awarded to C Spencer in July 2005. The project involves the demolition of the ageing station building and rebuilding it as a new flagship station.
The new station will revitalise the busy facilities and make it easier for travellers to change from one type of transport to another. It will ensure travellers experience a more comfortable journey in pleasant surroundings and is designed to provide better access to the high level platforms. Partick Interchange will be fitted with improved customer information displays and state of the art CCTV security coverage throughout.
The bus stance area at street level will be redesigned and the needs of passengers with mobility problems will be met throughout the station complex, ensuring easy access to bus, train and Subway services for all.
SPT taking responsibility
During the construction period, local residents and businesses are likely to suffer some inconvenience. We apologise in advance for any disruption they will experience and assure neighbouring residents and businesses that our contractors will consult them during the course of the works.
At times the construction work will be noisy because of site restrictions and the need for piling. There will be night time working and we will tell local residents when this is going to happen.
Project stages
- Stage 1 New ticket office constructed.
- Stage 2 Concourse.
- Stage 3 Construction of West Bound waiting room.
- Stage 4 Construction of East Bound waiting room and associated lift and stairs.
- Stage 5 New bus area and hard landscaping.
Benefits of the new look station
- Easier transfers between rail, Subway and bus services.
- State-of-the-art safety, security and passenger information systems.
- Ease of access to transport links for travellers with mobility problems.
- More spacious and comfortable waiting areas.
- Supports the regeneration of the surrounding districts.