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Wednesday 12 Jul 2023

Queen Street station and Bowline Viaduct unveil special heritage awards

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

The redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street was recognised, on Tuesday 11 July, with the unveiling of a National Railway Heritage Award (NRHA) at the station.

From 2017 to 2021, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and main contractor Balfour Beatty worked collaboratively to redevelop the station, which remained open throughout.

The £120m project to transform Scotland’s third-busiest station was recognised with a Chairman’s Special Award in the 2022 National Railway Heritage Awards.

The Scottish Government-funded redevelopment of the station is a key part of Scotland’s continued drive towards decarbonising the rail network – allowing new longer, greener electric trains to operate from the station.

The redevelopment also ensured Queen Street’s rich,180-year-old heritage continues to remain an integral part of the station environment, which the NRHA Special Chairman’s Award sought to recognise.

Several of the cast-iron, Victorian columns hidden for over 50-years were uncovered and thoughtfully reinstated during the work. The concourse doubled in size (from 900m² to 2002m²) to open up the station and allows passengers to enjoy views of the Grade A Listed train-shed and historic fan-shaped gable, as well as the surrounding cityscape.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “The collaborative approach of the team – from architects, engineers and contractors to station colleagues – throughout the redevelopment of Queen Street contributed to the successful delivery of this project and this award is further recognition of their professionalism.

“Queen Street has also become much more than a station. Not only does it provide sustainable travel for thousands of passengers – it’s also a vibrant public space in the heart of Glasgow that’s enjoyed by the wider community.”

Ahead of the event at Queen Street, a plaque unveiling also took place at Stirling station – recipient of the NRHA’s Great Western Railway Craft Skills award. This award recognises the best use of traditional craft skills in the restoration of a building and was awarded to the Network Rail team responsible for delivering a £3 million investment to refurbish the non-glazed roofs of the Grade A Listed station.

Also, as sponsor of the Network Rail Community Award – the day ended with Alex Hynes presenting an NRHA plaque to Scottish Canals for the restoration of Bowline viaduct as a new cycleway in Bowling.

 

Alex Hynes said: “Bowline viaduct is a great asset for the wider community and visitors alike to enjoy. The restoration is a wonderful way to repurpose and preserve an important railway structure. Congratulations to all who had the vision and determination to make this possible.”

Tricia Hill, head of placemaking, Scottish Canals, said: “Scottish Canals is delighted to receive this plaque as permanent recognition for the Bowline project and the contribution this has made to the local community and active travel connections. We look forward to welcoming many more walkers, cyclists and wheelers to enjoy this unique space.”      

Andy Savage, chairman of the National Rail Heritage Association, said: “Glasgow Queen Street and Bowline Viaduct are such worthy winners of National Railway Heritage Awards.

“Both projects sought to preserve important historical elements of our railway assets. At the same time, they also regenerated each one by enhancing a station building that is now fit for 21st-century travel and by breathing new life into a viaduct for community use that can be enjoyed for many years to come.”

If you have any questions about Network Rail’s current works, you can contact the 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For the latest information and progress updates follow on Twitter @NetworkRailScot or visit www.scotlandsrailway.com.