All Glasgow Central Station train services resume for first time in 18 days following Union Street fire
Network Rail re-opened platforms one to six on Wednesday
All platforms at Glasgow Central fully reopened on Wednesday, two-and-a-half weeks after a huge fire in an adjacent building forced the station’s closure for three days.
It comes after ScotRail, Avanti West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper services at Scotland’s busiest station resumed last Wednesday when most platforms re-opened after what’s thought to be the longest closure in its 147-year history.
TransPennine Express and CrossCountry were able to re-start their services on Wednesday.
However, some shops, part of the concourse and the main entrance on Gordon Street remain closed as they are still part of an exclusion zone ordered by Glasgow City Council during demolition of the fire-ravaged building next door.
The Union Street entrance on the east side of the station also remains closed, with the council unable to say when the restrictions were likely to be lifted.
A council spokesperson said: “The main entrance will be opened as quickly as it is safe to do so.
“The demolition and removal of rubble is ongoing, and our building standards and public safety team is working to complete the process as soon as possible, but we can’t give a date now on when this will be finished.”
The fire began in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday March 8 and spread through the building and around the corner, with only the facade of the B-listed Victorian building at the junction with Gordon Street left standing.
The main part of the station was shut for more than a week while demolition work continued on the fire-damaged building, though platforms seven to 15 were brought back into use a week ago.
Network Rail Scotland, which operates the station normally used by 70,000 people a day, said that following substantial progress on the demolition, the size of the exclusion zone could be reduced, meaning platforms one to six were able to re-open on Wednesday.
The low-level station, served by cross-city ScotRail trains running below the main concourse, reopened on Wednesday March 11.
The reopening of the high-level station comes after detailed inspections, operational checks, repairs and cleaning.
Station facilities including the main toilets and most shops have re-opened, and mobility support will continue to be available.
A small exclusion zone remains on the concourse as work continues on the fire-damaged building, with the clock still stopped at 7.50, when power was cut during the blaze.
The upper Hope Street entrance, the Hope Street driveway and the low-level entrances are open with staff on hand to guide passengers.
However, Network Rail offices in the north east corner of the station, closest to the fire, remain closed because of water damage.
Panes of glass in the roof above which are thought to have suffered cracks in the blaze will have to be replaced.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said : “The aftermath of the fire has been a significant challenge for everyone involved, but our teams have been working tirelessly to restore the station and support our passengers, train operators and retailers.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Their co-operation has made a difficult situation easier and we’re grateful for the support shown.
“Our priority now is to keep people moving safely and give everyone who relies on this station a smooth and welcoming experience on Wednesday.”
David Ross, ScotRail chief operating officer, said: “We understand how frustrating the closure has been for customers whose journeys have been disrupted and we’re very sorry for the impact it has had.
“The safety of our customers and staff is our priority, and the decision to reopen the high level has only been taken following comprehensive safety checks by Glasgow City Council and Network Rail.
“We know some people will be travelling by rail for the first time since the fire, so we will have staff on hand at Glasgow Central and across the network to support customers and answer any questions.”
ScotRail said there may be some minor alterations to services as some trains may be out of position following the station closure and advised passengers to check their journey before travelling.
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