Glasgow Central railway station has partially reopened following a destructive fire that ravaged a neighbouring building, forcing its complete closure for over a week. The main section of the station had been shut since Sunday, March 8, after flames consumed much of the historic Union Corner building.
Limited Access and Reduced Services
The station's Gordon Street, Union Street, and Hope Street entrances will remain closed to the public for safety reasons. However, the low-level entrances and Hope Street carriage driveway have reopened as of Wednesday. Network Rail has emphasised that this partial reopening comes with significantly reduced capacity, urging all passengers to check their journey times thoroughly before travelling.
Restored Train Routes
Services operating between Glasgow Central and key destinations including Ayr, Paisley Gilmour Street, Kilwinning, Gourock, Kilmarnock, East Kilbride, and Carlisle have resumed. Despite this restoration, many services will operate on a reduced capacity basis. Passengers have been advised that the station will "look different" and that staff will be available throughout to offer guidance and assistance.
Official Statements and Gratitude
In a video message posted on social media platform X, Alison Irvine, Chief Executive of Transport Scotland, expressed relief at the partial reopening. "I think it will be great to get the station partially reopened, to improve accessibility to areas where we've not been able to operate train services," she stated on Tuesday.
Irvine continued, "I would urge people to plan your journeys, give yourself a wee bit more extra time, but come into the city, use the train, come back and enjoy what Glasgow city centre has to offer." She extended heartfelt thanks to Network Rail and ScotRail staff for their "phenomenal effort" in making the station available to passengers again.
Ross Moran, Route Director at Network Rail Scotland, acknowledged the challenges faced. "We're grateful for the patience and understanding shown by passengers, businesses and the wider community over this past week," he said. "This has been an exceptionally challenging situation for everyone affected and I want to thank all those involved who have worked tirelessly to get us to the point where we can safely welcome people back to the station."
Safety Remains Paramount
Moran added that while temporary arrangements would persist, the focus remains on keeping customers moving safely as services gradually return. "We'll carry on working closely with all operators and partners to restore full access as soon as it is safe to do so," he assured.
Demolition and Fire Origin
Glasgow City Council has confirmed that demolition of the remaining "very unstable" Victorian structure is necessary for public safety. Demolition experts are currently working to safely bring down parts of the compromised building. The fire originated in a vape shop on Union Street before spreading extensively through the building, leaving only the facade at the Gordon Street junction standing.
ScotRail's Safety Assurance
Services in the lower level of the station resumed the previous Wednesday, with ScotRail confirming that stringent safety checks were conducted ahead of the partial high-level reopening. David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, stated, "I am very pleased we will be able to welcome customers back to Glasgow Central high level following the partial reopening of the station from Wednesday."
Ross acknowledged the ongoing disruption, saying, "We realise the closure is causing significant disruption for our customers, and we're very sorry for the impact it is still having on journeys." He highlighted that resuming services on more than half the high-level platforms represents "a big step forward" in restoring connectivity to Glasgow city centre.
The safety of customers and staff remains our absolute priority, Ross emphasised, noting that while platform and access point availability is limited, ScotRail will operate as many services as possible. The timetable will be under regular review, with additional services added when safety permits.
