PRESS RELEASE
June 25th, 2009

New station coming

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has called on the people of Gourock to have their say in the development of a new train station.

The MSP welcomed the £5 million investment from Network Rail in a new terminal to replace the dilpidated station in the town.

But he is keen that the new station is right for Gourock and has the blessing of locals.

Mr McNeil said: "I welcome this level of investment in Inverclyde's railway stations and I am delighted that at long last we are making progress.

"With Gourock in particular, I am confident that we can work together with Network Rail, Inverclyde Council and of course the people of the town to ensure that through the planning process we can deliver a station that befits this stunning location and gateway to the Highlands."

Under the proposals, Network Rail will construct a new station building and train operating facility, create a new car park, redesign the road lay-out to improve access to bus and taxi services and demolish several redundant buildings.

Planned for completion by 2011, the project would also see the renovation of the existing platforms, the installation of new platform canopy, the creation of a new covered walkway to the ferry terminal and the refurbishment of the north wall to include glazed sections offering unobstructed sea views.

The investment in Gourock is one of several projects for the Inverclyde area, with Wemyss Bay station also earmarked for more than £4m-worth of renovation work and platform improvement works at Port Glasgow having recently been completed.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail’s director Scotland, said: “We are pleased to be able to make this significant investment in the future of Gourock which will bring real benefits for travellers and enhance the town and its transport facilities.

“In the current economic climate, with many organisations scaling back on investment projects and development plans, Network Rail is committed to continuing to improve the country’s rail network and will be spending nearly £3bn across Scotland in the next five years.”

ENDS