Work has commenced on the eye-catching new entrance canopies for St Enoch Subway Station which are set to transform St Enoch Square.
SPT’s main contractor, GRAHAM Construction, has started installation of the steel frame for the new station canopy at the station’s north entrance at Argyle Street.
Once completed, both the Argyle and Howard Street entrances will feature striking glass structures inspired by the Kibble Palace in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens. SPT believes the unique glass design will become a talking point with visitors to the city as well as regular Subway users and the people of Glasgow.
Work on the Argyle Street entrance canopy will be completed prior to commencement of the Howard Street entrance, to minimise disruption to customers and the general public in and around the area of the square.
SPT’s £5.3 million investment to redevelop the station saw works begin in February 2014 and GRAHAM has already made significant progress below ground, with the station interiors revamped in time for the Commonwealth Games.
The new station office also incorporates the travel centre to provide an improved customer service and provide more efficient use of available space on the concourse. GRAHAM has also installed energy efficient lighting coupled with new suspended ceilings and new floor and wall tiles at platform and concourse level, resulting in a brighter, more welcoming environment.
GRAHAM Construction and escalator suppliers Otis have worked in partnership to install the new escalators at the Argyle Street entrance prior to work starting on the new canopy structure. New lifts will also be introduced at the station with the main lift from ground level to concourse level located at the Howard Street entrance. Additional lifts at concourse level will then allow passengers to access each platform.
GRAHAM Construction regional director Gary Holmes said: “While a lot of work has already been completed below ground, the installation of the glass canopies will be the first evidence of the transformation of St Enoch Station above ground.
“The new canopies will be a talking point for the people of Glasgow and will bring much more natural light into the station, increasing visibility for users.”
St Enoch Station serves almost two million users every year and is one of the busiest on Glasgow’s Subway system. The redevelopment of St Enoch Subway Station at the foot of the Buchanan Street is part of SPT’s ongoing multi-million pound modernisation programme across the entire Subway network.
SPT Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan, said: “Modernisation of the Subway is progressing at pace and the redevelopment of St Enoch Station is one of the most exciting aspects of the project so far.
“Passengers have benefited from the internal improvements made to date and we’re confident that everyone using the station will enjoy the striking new look station exterior.
“Given the high standard of work delivered by GRAHAM to date, I’m confident that the project will be delivered on time and on budget. I’m looking forward to seeing the station completed as it is a stunning design and will, I’m sure, become a striking centre-piece to the wider area.”
St Enoch is the second station GRAHAM Construction has worked on following the successful delivery of the refurbishment to Ibrox Station throughout 2013 and well in advance of the Commonwealth Games.
Work at St Enoch is expected to be completed by summer 2015.
