WORK on a North Lanarkshire train station set to begin this year is being tipped to create a "gateway to Glasgow". 

The £14.5 million project at Motherwell station will see a whole host of improvements carried out by contractor Balfour Beatty. 

Work will include an enhanced station building and improved ticket retailing facilities. 

The project is a collaboration between ScotRail, North Lanarkshire Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), and Transport Scotland, who have teamed up to create a gateway to the Glasgow. 

Kirsty Devlin, ScotRail head of projects, said: “Motherwell is ready for a railway station that matches the town’s development.

“Our close collaboration with North Lanarkshire Council, SPT, and Transport Scotland will deliver the best possible improvements to facilities and integrated transport options at Motherwell station.

“The improved integration of transport services and infrastructure will transform the relationship between the station and the town centre.

“It will open up a wealth of possibilities for Motherwell, creating more options and better connections for our customers; for business and leisure travel, and encourage more people to travel in a low-carbon way. It will create a gateway to Glasgow and beyond.”

The improvements will also see more food and drink offerings created and a complete refurbishment to toilet and waiting facilities. 

Bill Reeve, Transport Scotland's director of rail, said: "This £14.5m investment at Motherwell station is a clear example of how partnership working can deliver both Government and local transport objectives for a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system. This multi-modal interchange will act as an attractive gateway to Lanarkshire for customers, communities, businesses and visitors.”