Plans for a multimillion pound upgrade to Inverness train station has taken another step forward after the search began to find a full design team for the project.
The full business case for the plans has been completed and Abellio Scotrail Ltd is now ready to develop detailed design proposals – and has said work could start on the project by the middle of 2017.
The train operator, in conjunction with the council and region’s transport partnership, commissioned Dundee-based architects Nicoll Russell Studios last October to carry out the initial design work.
Now the contract has gone out to find a full design team.
A spokeswoman for Abellio Scotrail said that a more fully developed design proposal is expected by the end of the year.
She added: “Feasibility work is currently under way and we’ll be able to share more details in due course – this will include detailed stakeholder consultation.
“Areas of focus include improvements to the station frontage and forecourt, along with the concourse environment, and the links to Falcon Square and the bus station. Our close collaboration with The Highland Council and Hitrans will deliver the best possible improvements to facilities and services in and around Inverness station.”
Abellio ScotRail plans to spend £2million upgrading the complex as part of a franchise agreement with the government agency Transport Scotland.
There are big plans for improving all three entrances to the station along with the station concourse and Station Square.
There could also be expanded retail opportunities within the station.
Inverness Central councillor Donnie Kerr said: “I am delighted it’s moving forward and we would expect there to be a start maybe in April 2017.
“The Station Square is looking a bit tatty and they could do with making a start to resurfacing Academy Street. Hopefully they will be looking for funding through the council’s own underspend contributions”.
The new contract involves progressing from step three to step five of the Guide to Rail Investment Process under Network Rail, which means from feasibility to detailed design.
The initial deadline for participants is August 17 before the list is whittled down to a full invitation to tender on September 7.