Glasgow fire: All platforms at Glasgow Central to reopen from Wednesday

Network Rail said platforms one to six will open, allowing all high-level train routes to resume.

ScotRail and cross-Border Avanti West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper services re-started last Wednesday from platforms seven to 15 on the west side of the station, which was furthest away from the fire.

However, the main part of Glasgow Central's concourse remained cordoned off.

The fire began in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday March 8 and spread through the building and around the corner, with only the façade of the Victorian building at the junction with Gordon Street left standing.

On Monday, Network Rail said that following “substantial progress” on the demolition of the fire-damaged building the size of the exclusion zone can now be reduced.

They said all high-level platforms will be fully available for passenger services from Wednesday, including ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Caledonian Sleeper.

The Gordon Street and Union Street entrances will remain closed, with passengers urged to continue using the upper Hope Street entrance, the Hope Street driveway and the low-level entrances.

ScotRail confirmed it would be resuming its normal timetable from Glasgow Central from Wednesday as the high-level platforms reopened following a fortnight of disruption.

A limited timetable returned to several routes last week, however ScotRail said normal services will return to the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts/Carstairs route from Wednesday, as well as services to Cathcart Circle, Paisley Canal, Newton, Barrhead and Neilston.

It also said the alterations to services to Ardrossan Harbour, Largs, Dumfries/Carlisle and Stranraer will end.

David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is excellent news for our customers, and I am very pleased we will be able to resume our normal timetable when Glasgow Central High Level reopens for business on Wednesday.

“We understand how frustrating the closure has been for customers whose journeys have been disrupted, and we’re very sorry for the impact it has had.

“The safety of our customers and staff is our priority, and the decision to reopen the high level has only been taken following comprehensive safety checks by Glasgow City Council and Network Rail.

“We know some people will be travelling by rail for the first time since the fire, so we will have staff on hand at Glasgow Central and across the network to support customers and answer any questions.”

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Glasgow Central is at the heart of the city and is Scotland’s busiest station, and we’ve been fully focused on getting everyone back safely.

“The aftermath of the fire has been a significant challenge for everyone involved, but our teams have been working tirelessly to restore the station and support our passengers, train operators and retailers.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Their cooperation has made a difficult situation easier and we’re grateful for the support shown.

“Our priority now is to keep people moving safely and give everyone who relies on this station a smooth and welcoming experience on Wednesday.”