On behalf of Network Rail, Story Scotland transformed the North Ayrshire station with a three-span footbridge with lifts and stairs giving step-free access to all platforms. The scheme marked the sixth Access For All project completed by Story Scotland for Network Rail.
Opened in 1840, Kilwinning railway station platforms were previously only accessible via footbridges and a walking route from the main road, which required users to use narrow pathways.
The new structure will provide a step free route across all platforms to help significantly enhance the journey experience for those with impaired mobility or travelling with children, luggage or bikes.
Work at the station also included removal of existing footbridges, upgrades to the CCTV system, train notice boards and lighting as well as enhancements to the station frontage, waiting areas and car park.
127t of steelwork installed
3no. lift shafts installed across station
The scope of the project was to design and implement the following works:
The Story team put community engagement at the heart of the project, delivering a number on initiatives to benefit the local residents and children in Kilwinning, as well as employing labour from the local area to work on the project.
Engaging with local Abbey Primary School, Story donated a priority waiting shelter from the station, delivered a STEM session and held a rail safety poster competition, from which the winning entries are now displayed in the station permanently.
In order to work effectively in a busy, live station, Story liaised closely with the client, station staff and all local stakeholders to ensure the project was delivered efficiently and with as little disruption to the general public as possible. This close liaison ensured that Story maintained an excellent working relationship with the client and subcontractors, allowing any changes, issues or potential delays to be resolved quickly and effectively.
Working to a new ‘one-off’ design presented the team with many challenges, including working with stone cladding shipped from China and the need to navigate the difficult interface issues posed by the many glazed areas throughout the structure.
Network Rail
The project involved regrading approximately 280 metres of the embankment to enhance structural stability and improve rail safety.
RWE Renewables
Works were carried out to demolish an existing storage building, and replace it with a larger, modern structure.
Network Rail
VolkerRail/Story joint venture were tasked with the £80m project as part of a £137m investment that saw the undertaking of extensive enhancement works to remove several bottlenecks along the route to improve reliability, increase passenger services and aid in freight movements.