Transport Minister Keith Brown visited Edinburgh Haymarket Station to view progress on its £25m transformation into a transport hub for the west end of the capital.  The project, which is part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme, will create a fully accessible station as well as an integrated train, tram, bus and taxi transport hub, by spring 2014.

The new-look station, which is being constructed alongside the existing building will also deliver the extra capacity needed at a station which is expected to see an 125% increase in passenger numbers over the next 15 years.

Keith Brown, said: “This Scottish Government is committed to improving rail services across Scotland and our recent announcement of a £5 bn investment plan reaffirms that commitment.

“The EGIP improvements at Haymarket station will deliver substantial improvements to this historic station including step free access to all platforms and significantly improved passenger amenities and retail space.

“This exciting new development represents the next step in our EGIP delivery programme. This demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to EGIP and our continuing ambition for our rail network.”

David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, added: “This is the beginning of what will be a substantial alteration for Haymarket Station to create a modern, fully-accessible facility that satisfies the needs of the modern traveller whilst remaining sensitive to the station’s historical significance and original buildings.

“Despite the considerable redevelopment works that are taking place, passengers will experience minimal disruption during construction and the station will remain open for train services as normal while our engineers work behind the scenes.”

Kenny McPhail, deputy managing director of ScotRail, said: “We very much welcome this modernisation of Haymarket Station which will make it much easier for our customers to move through the station. The overall environment will be much more spacious and welcoming.”

Handling over four million passengers a year, Haymarket is Scotland fourth busiest station.

As part of the improvements, a new side entrance will be created and a new concourse area will include more retail space and a travel centre.

Platforms will be re-surfaced and overhead canopies installed, while a new over bridge, lifts and escalators will make the station fully-accessible for all.

The new facility will also provide excellent links to both bus and tram systems and be accessible from both Haymarket and Roseberry Terrace.