Scotstounhill

Railway Station
RESERACH REPORT
Redesigning of existing station and
site with a new community focus.

BRINGING
COMMUNITIES
TOGETHER
Aakanksha Mistry

Figure 1
White and red train on station Note. From (J. Imre, 2022)
Figure 2
1
British Railways

Note. From (A. Casta, 2018)

 2

Table of Contents

1. Project Brief 3

2. Introduction 4

3. Scotstounhill Demographics 7

4. British Rail Trends 11

5. How stations can add value for people and cities 12

6. Network Rails Principles of Good Design 13

7. Shipbuilding Community 15

8. Conclusion 16

9. References 17
 3

Project Brief

Figure 3
Grey scale photography of train

Note. From (G. Backer, 2022)

The brief of this project is to design a way to

reinvigorate and repurpose an ageing and existing
commuter train station building of Scotstounhill,
Glasgow, Scotland. The idea of the project is to utilise
its existing structures and maintain its core station
function, whilst giving it a new “life”. In a single year
in the UK, there are 1.7 billion rail journeys made and
this figure is expected to double within the next 25
years (Salas, 2022). To make sure this growth is
supported new infrastructure and more function
needs to be provided to the passengers. A station is
no more than just a gateway to a train.

Introduction

2.1 Scotstoun, Glasgow

Figure 4
Current Map of Scotstoun Community Council Area

Note. From (Scotstoun Community Council, 2022)

Scotstoun is a neighbourhood in Glasgow, Scotland, located west of the city

centre. It is bordered on the west by Garscadden and Yoker, on the east by
Victoria Park, Jordanhill, and Whiteinch, on the north by Jordanhill, and on the
south by the River Clyde (and Braehead beyond). Scotstounhill, an enclave of late
Victorian and post-war houses centred on Scotstounhill railway station, is located
in the heart of Scotstoun. BAE Systems Surface Ships (previously Yarrow
Shipbuilders) and the Glasgow Warriors rugby team are based at Scotstoun
(alongside Govan shipyard).

Figure 6
Scotstounhill Railway Station
Note. From (R. Sutcliffe, 2019)
Figure 7
Scotstounhill Railway Station Map
Note. From (OS VectorMap District, 2019)
5
Figure 5
Scotstouhill Old Railway Station
Note. From (Mitchell Library GC Postcards,
2004)
2.2 Scotstounhill Railway
Station
Scotstounhill Railway Station is a quarter-
mile (0.5 km) east northeast of Scotstoun
and a half-mile (1 km) west-northwest of
Jordanhill in Glasgow City, serving both the
Argyle Line and the North Clyde Line.
The Glasgow, Yoker & Clydebank Railway
opened this station in 1883, and it consists
of two platforms joined by an overbridge.
This is a two platform station with the main
building on the eastbound platform. It was
originally a single platform station, now the
eastbound platform, on a single-track line.
The line was doubled in 1896 with the
extension of the line west via Clydebank
Central to the new Dalmuir station A signal
box was opened at the east end of the
station. There was now a single siding on
the south side of the line, east of the station
and approached by reversal. The westbound
platform station building was of the same
style as that at Yoker. The eastbound station
building was older. The box closed in 1912.
Although the original building has been lost
the station remains open with a main
building on the eastbound (citybound)
platform. (Railscot, 2022­)
 6

2.3 Scotstounhill Railway Facilities

Facilities provided in the station:

Seated area
Waiting room during opening times
Telephone booth
Ticket booth

Important facilities found missing in the

station:
Self-ticketing machine
Toilets
WiFi network
ATM machine
Cafe/ refreshments

Figure 8
Amenities

Note. From (Eucalyp, 2019)

 7

Scotstounhill Demographics

3.1 Population Analysis

Figure 9
Population

30,980
Scotstounhill's
population in 2020
Note. From (Kosonicon, 2019)

Figure 10
Grey scale photography of people
walking near building station

Note. From (I. Joseph, 2022)

Yoker and Scotstoun is a Glasgow neighbourhood that had a population of 12,295 in

2011 which increased to a population of 30,980 in 2020. In Yoker and Scotstoun,
there is a sizable population of children aged 0 to 15. Disability and out-of-work
benefits are claimed by a large percentage of individuals in the area. A higher
percentage of persons are unemployed or underemployed than the Glasgow average.
Between 1996 and 2012, the general population of Yoker and Scotstoun increased
by 6%, owing mostly to increases in the numbers of 16-44-year-olds and 45–64-
year-olds. A minority ethnic group's share of the total neighbourhood population
climbed from 4% in 2001 to 14% in 2011, putting it above the Glasgow average.
 8

3.2 Scotstounhill Commuters & their needs

Table 1 shows the number of commuters using the station to commute,

there was a sudden decline in 2020/21 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit
the country.
Table 2 shows the different railway lines that Scotstounhill railway
station caters to.

The commuter needs for the station and travel are

identified as follows: (National Rail 2021)
Safe
Efficient & comfortable
Reliable & seamless journey experience
Growing connectivity
Delicious options for food and drink
Retail experience
Live forecast for train services
WiFi and connectivity
Disable friendly stations & commute
Toilets, ATMs etc.

Scotstounhill station is currently only providing a very few of the above-

listed commuter needs and expectations.
 9

14.4 Passenger
journeys in
million 2020-21
The railway system in the United Kingdom is critical to the
country's economic growth. It links individuals to jobs, goods to
markets, and promotes economic progress.
With the number of rail journeys doubling in the last 20 years and
passenger numbers predicted to expand by roughly 40% by 2040,
Britain has had the fastest-growing railway in Europe in recent
years. It's a burgeoning industry that provides not only prosperity
and connectivity at home, but also export potential for British
companies.

Growth in the

40% number of
passengers
by 2040

Figure 11
People inside a train station

Note. From (Zydeaosika, 2022)

Figure 12
Rush hour in London Underground 10

Note. From (Parsons , 2018)

 11

British Rail Trends

According to the spring 2020 National Rail Passenger Survey, passenger
satisfaction at our controlled stations remained high, with Glasgow Central
scoring 90% overall and Edinburgh Waverley scoring 88.5%.
Railway stations will undergo changes in order to meet a "post-pandemic"
mindset.
In 2021, railway stations will seek to implement more permanent features to help
passengers relax. Station furniture will be made of wood rather than leather,
barriers will be left open, and additional employees will be assigned to assist
customers through socially isolated lines.
The fundamental question is whether railway stations around the world will
forego chokepoints in favour of a more streamlined design. Although a post-
pandemic commuter shortage may loom, now may be the moment for authorities
to assess whether they need to expand stations to increase capacity.

The effects of Covid-19 on rail

With the implementation of lockdown, rail travel saw a greater drop in popularity
than bus travel. On weekdays, journeys were roughly 8% of what they were in
2019, and on weekends, they were around 3% of what they were in 2019.
Passenger counts rose to more than 20% over their 2019 levels early in phase
three of the restriction-easing process, suggesting that the approach was
working. Following the reopening of tourist enterprises, the index began to peak
at over 40% of 2019 levels on weekends, following a similar pattern to the
commercial bus passenger index.

It's debatable if the increase was due to increasing tourism or to other new leisure
pursuits made available during phase three of the easing. The index declined in
the same way that the bus passenger indices did after the adoption of stricter
social restrictions, and was unaffected by the implementation of the levels system.
Unlike the bus, the rail index did not show any signs of improvement in late
October and early November.

The rail passenger index climbed in the period after level 4 restrictions were eased
in the Central Belt, but it did not return to its summer highs in the pre-Christmas
rush, unlike the bus passenger indices. The train passenger index plummeted to
an average of 9% of its 2020 level in the first month of the second lockdown.
 12

How stations can add value

for people and cities
Stations are no longer just sites where people pass through; they are places where
people live, work, and shop, and they have the potential to become the beating
heart of our communities.
"Stations aren't simply stations anymore," said Liam Harrison, Atkins market
director for transport-oriented development. "They're accelerators for expansion
or regeneration, and the foundations for new cities, regions, and economic
clusters." Our paper examines the genuine value that a station may provide, as
well as the role that design and engineering can play in ensuring that that value is
felt by all stakeholders, from station owners and operators to the surrounding
community."

Figure 13
Grimshaw's proposal for Curzon street

Note. From (Grimshaw, 2018)

What you see, touch, smell as you go

through a station has an impact on
passengers’ satisfaction… It does
have a real human impact.

Frank Anatole, principal architect at Network Rail

 13

Network Rails Principles of

Good Design

Identity, passengers, community-focused, collaborative, inclusive, linked,

contextual, enriching heritage, and inventive are among the nine design principles
outlined in the Principles of Good Design Policy.
Passenger development requires modern infrastructure and high-quality rolling
stock to attract and retain customers. Stations and train systems must provide a
continuous sequence of activities and experiences, from travel planning through
arrival, ticketing, waiting, and boarding, in order to create a wonderful experience
that fulfils the expectations of passengers today and in the future. The results of
extensive passenger surveys reveal what people expect from their stations.
Generous constraint-free spaces, information, utilities, high-quality environments
are the major determinants of total passenger happiness.

1.7 billion journeys are made by rail a year

in the UK, and this figure is forecast to
double within the next 25 years

Stations are also multi-dimensional centres where current architectural lines

collide with older, more historically significant ones constructed by our
forefathers. Stations also serve as entry points to culturally significant
destinations. Stations should be unique, appealing, and symbolic representations
of their cities. Over the course of history, railway stations have experienced
several revolutions, including industrial, technical, and cultural transformations.
Despite these modifications, stations have several universal characteristics that
are easily recognised by everybody.

Figure 14
Railway Station

Note. From (Canva, 2022)

Figure 15
Sunset over HMS Belfast 14

Note. From (Fox , 2018)

 15

Shipbuilding Community

Two large shipyards on the Upper Clyde are still operational today. They are both
owned by BAE Systems Surface Ships, a naval defence firm that specialises in
designing and building technologically sophisticated warships for the Royal Navy
and other navies around the world. Over 370 boats have been built on Clyde's
banks, and Scotstoun is steeped in a history of creativity, design, and a high
degree of maritime engineering that is admired across the world.
Integrating the shipbuilding community into the station will not only bring the
community together but will also help create a new revenue stream for BAE
Systems.
Retired shipbuilders and engineers will lead the workshops at the new
shipbuilding wing at the station. This will help the young and old come together
and will also help educate the locality and the region about the rich history of
Scotstoun.

Figure 16
Shallow focus photography of black ship

Note. From (Hormel, 2022)

 16

Conclusion

Scotstounhill station is a deteriorating station that only provides basic

facilities to the commuter and is in desperate need of upliftment. Scotstoun
has a rich shipbuilding history, leveraging this to the advantage of the
community will prove to be extremely beneficial to both the community and
the station.
The addition of these workshops at the station will add more value to the
station, it will attract more traction and more footfall on the station. A
shipbuilding workshop, deli and roof garden will act as places of socialisation
and conversation supporters. It will also act as a bridge between the current
lacking system of the station and the people living in the area. Including these
programs into the station space will provide an added function for the station,
it will no longer remain like just a transition space.
 17

References
New report reveals how stations can add value for people and cities. Global Railway Review.
Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/article/32334/stations-
report/

Better design across our railway. (2019, August 8). Network Rail.
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/stories/better-design-across-our-railway/

Historical national rail passenger journeys 1950-2019. (n.d.). Statista.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/304957/total-historical-national-rail-passenger-journeys-in-
the-united-kingdom-uk/

National Rail Enquiries. www.nationalrail.co.uk. https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations-and-

destinations/stations-made-easy/scotstounhill-station-plan

Statistics.gov.scot | Scotland. Statistics.gov.scot. https://statistics.gov.scot/atlas/resource?

uri=http://statistics.gov.scot/id/statistical-geography/S92000003

Figure 1 Imre, J. (2022). White and red train on station [Photgraph]. Pexels.
https://www.canva.com/

Figure 2 Casta, A. (2018). British Railways [Photograph]. Unsplash.

https://unsplash.com/photos/rFDKadsQX5E

Figure 3 Becker, G. (2022). Grey scale photography of train [Photograph]. Pexels.

https://www.canva.com/

Figure 4 Scotstoun Community Council. (2022). Current Map of Scotstoun Community Council
Area [Map].
https://scotstouncommunitycouncil.wordpress.com/

Figure 5 Mitchell Library GC Postcards. (2004). Scotstouhill Old Railway Station [Photograph].
The Glasgow Story.
https://www.theglasgowstory.com/image/?inum=TGSA00630

Figure 6 Sutcliffe, R. (2019). Scotstounhill Railway Station [Photograph]. Geograph.

https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6265203
 18

Figure 7 OS VectorMap District. (2019). Scotstounhill Railway Station Map [Map]. Get the data.
https://www.getthedata.com/postcode/G13-3RP

Figure 8 Eucalyp. (2019). Amenities [Icon]. Flaticon.

https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/amenities_3524772?
term=amenities&related_id=3524772

Figure 9 Kosonicon. (2019). Population [Icon]. Flaticon.

https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/people-together_4596368?
term=population&page=1&position=11&page=1&position=11&related_id=4596368&origin=tag

Figure 10 Joseph, I. (2022). Grey scale photography of people walking near building station
[Photograph]. Pexels
https://www.canva.com/

Figure 11 Zydeaosika. (2022). People inside a train [Photograph]. Pexels

https://www.canva.com/

Figure 12 Parsons, T. (2018). Rush hour in London Underground [Photograph]. Unsplash.

https://unsplash.com/photos/ow_3Zc8xSN4

Figure 13 Grimshaw. (2018). Grimshaw's proposal for Curzon street [Photograph]. Architects'
Journal.
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/grimshaw-hs2-station-designs-not-good-enough-
says-mp

Figure 14 Canva. (2022). Railway Station [Photgraph]. Pexels.

https://www.canva.com/

Figure 15 Fox, R. (2018). Sunset over HMS Belfast [Photograph]. Unsplash.

https://unsplash.com/photos/fopKvYxlkbI

Figure 16 Hormel, S. (2022). Shallow focus photography of black ship [Photograph]. Pexels.
https://www.canva.com/