Gold for Gateway to the Games

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially marked the completion of the new look Dalmarnock Train Station in Glasgow’s east end today in plenty of time ahead of the Games which take place in the city in the summer.

The state-of-the-art glass and steel building, which was named ‘Best Proposed Project’ at the 2012 Scottish Design Awards, features a brand new ticket office, footbridge and lifts to help make the public transport experience more enjoyable and comfortable for commuters, tourists and those attending the 2014 Games – one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

The £12 million facelift, funded by Transport Scotland and partners Clyde Gateway, Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and delivered by Network Rail, will also see the station play a key role in the future regeneration of the east end, set to continue long after the summer’s festivities. It will also leave a lasting Games legacy by encouraging greater public transport use in years to come.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“Scotland is ready for 2014 and is organising what we are determined will be the greatest Games ever. This will be the biggest sporting and cultural event Scotland has hosted and the Scottish Government is determined to maximise benefits beyond 2014 through investing in our communities.

“In just a few short months, this station will play host to visitors from all corners of the world and possibly some of the best known sports stars on the planet. It is hugely exciting to see this station complete and to know what lies ahead.

“While we wish our athletes every success, the Games is much more than medals – it’s a catalyst for regeneration, innovation and for sustainable economic growth and the refurbishment of Dalmarnock Station demonstrates this.

“The Games is already providing a massive boost to reviving areas such as the east end of Glasgow and helping communities contribute to Scotland’s economic success.”

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:

“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be the largest multi-sport event Scotland has ever hosted and will attract visitors to Glasgow from across Scotland, the UK and around the world.

“Glasgow 2014 welcomes the completion of Dalmarnock Station which will be key hub at Games time due to its proximity to a number of our venues including Celtic Park, which will host the Opening Ceremony on July 23 along with the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, not to mention the adjacent Athletes Village.

“The work and investment from our various partners to transform Dalmarnock Station and provide this fantastic facility recognises the vital role public transport plays in ensuring delivery of a successful Games.”