Glasgow Queen Street Station
- Location
- Glasgow, UK
- Client
- Transport Scotland
- Expertise
- Acoustics
- Architecture
- Building Services Engineering
- Design Management
- Interior Design
- Lighting
- Sustainability
- Completion
- 2021
- Cost
- £120m
The redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street Station, part of Network Rail’s Edinburgh–Glasgow electrification programme, has transformed the station into a spectacular gateway to the city.
Our design re-establishes the station’s connection to Glasgow, both visually and functionally, by celebrating its historical significance while creating a modern, welcoming space for passengers.
Once hidden behind the dated Millennium Copthorne Hotel and Consort House, the station’s stunning James Carswell-designed Victorian train shed, with its impressive barrel-vaulted roof, is now a central feature.
We removed these obstructive structures, opening up views and creating a spacious, light-filled concourse with a sloping glass façade and a gold anodised soffit that marks the station’s entrances. The new design elevates the station’s civic presence, seamlessly integrating it with the city’s iconic George Square.
The project also involved extending the platforms to accommodate longer, greener trains and cater for a 90% increase in passenger numbers. Accessibility has been greatly improved with a carefully designed concourse that enhances the flow of people, making travel through the station easier and more intuitive.
By retaining and restoring historic elements, such as the Corinthian columns long concealed by piecemeal developments, we’ve ensured the station’s heritage is honoured while creating a forward-looking space.
Now, Glasgow Queen Street Station serves as a symbol of Scotland’s decarbonising rail network. Its revitalised design not only supports future passenger growth but also provides a proud civic landmark for the city, winning public acclaim as the ‘nation’s favourite’ and ‘World Cup of Stations’ winner in 2020.
“The redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street station is extraordinary. We’ve created a new bold landmark for a confident Glasgow right in the heart of George Square.”
“The station is not just a welcoming, accessible building that now caters for increased footfalls, but an extrovert place with an enticing and memorable civic presence – a building that brings a little delight and pride to all who use it.”
