Glasgow Central Station Partially Reopens as Demolition of Fire-Damaged Facade Begins
Demolition work has commenced on the facade of a fire-ravaged building adjacent to Glasgow Central station, which has partially reopened to passengers 10 days after a devastating blaze. The Union Corner building, located at the junction of Gordon Street and Union Street, was virtually destroyed in the fire that broke out on March 8, leading to the closure of the station's main section.
Partial Resumption of Rail Services
Services from some high-level platforms resumed on Wednesday, March 18, with the 5.45am train to Ayr being the first departure, followed closely by the 5.48am Avanti West Coast service to London Euston. Network Rail has confirmed that services operating between Glasgow Central and destinations including Ayr, Paisley Gilmour Street, Kilwinning, Gourock, Kilmarnock, East Kilbride, and Carlisle have now resumed, albeit some at reduced capacity.
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. 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."
Demolition and Safety Measures
Workers in a cage suspended from a crane were observed on Wednesday beginning the slow process of dismantling the facade, which is all that remains of the Victorian building. Glasgow City Council emphasised that demolishing the "very unstable" structure is essential for public safety.
Gordon Street remains cordoned off, and the station's Gordon Street, Union Street, and Hope Street entrances will stay shut to the public. However, the low-level entrances and Hope Street carriage driveway have reopened. Passengers have been advised that the station looks "different," with barriers and signage marking exclusion zones, and facilities and shops closed. Staff are on hand to offer guidance.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, commented: "This has been an exceptionally challenging situation for everyone affected. While temporary arrangements will remain in place for a little while longer, we want to reassure customers that our focus is on keeping them moving safely as services return."
Passenger Reactions and Operational Details
Platforms seven to 15 on the west side of the station are back in use. Passengers travelling on Wednesday welcomed the reopening. Claire Macdonald from Clarkston said, "It's good to have it up and running again. We were going to come in some of the way on the underground but when we heard about the reopening we were able to come on the train."
Catriona Brown from Stevenston added, "I'm going to Liverpool with Avanti and they have lots of staff on to keep you right. I've not been coming into Glasgow much, usually I come in and out but I've not been doing that while the station was closed."
Background and Safety Checks
The fire originated in a vape shop on Union Street and spread through the building and around the corner. It is understood that a gap of several feet between the back of the building and the station itself acted as a fire break, preventing flames from jumping into the station. Services in the lower level of the station began running again the previous Wednesday.
ScotRail confirmed that stringent safety checks had been carried out before the partial reopening. The company has urged passengers to check their journey times before travelling due to reduced capacity and limited access points.
