Avanti West Coast and Network Rail have revealed plans to create a new ticket office and first-class lounge at Glasgow Central railway station this autumn.

The new ticket office will house two welcome desks, user-friendly information screens, and more ticket machines.

The new facility will be at Caledonian Chambers, next to platforms 1 and 2, and Avanti West Coast will relocate there later this year. Last year, Network Rail carried out improvement works to platform 1.

The current Avanti West Coast ticket office on Gordon Street will be converted into two retail units.

A new, step-free station reception will also be created, which Network Rail hopes “will significantly improve the experience for passengers using the facility”.

Staff at the station will have handheld devices to help them to respond to passenger enquiries, and are expected to be more visible in the new station layout.

Some of the retail units on the station concourse have been closed since the end of last year, to allow workers to remodel the area in preparation for the changes.

The work forms part of an upgrade of Scotland’s most-used station, which is costing five million pounds. The upgrade will include changes to the layout of several retail units on the station concourse.

The programme will include relocating existing tenants, creating new retail units, and refurbishing office accommodation.

“We are excited to be working in collaboration with Avanti West Coast to deliver an improved passenger experience as part of our wider property upgrade at Glasgow Central station.

“Not only will passengers benefit from Avanti West Coast relocating to a new and improved ticket office and first-class lounge, a new step-free station reception will also open.

Conor Mclaughlin, scheme project manager, Network Rail

“The relocation of both the ticket office and first-class lounge means we’ll be closer to our customers on platforms 1 and 2. The new facilities will also provide a better experience by improving accessibility, making it easier to buy tickets and find journey information.

“Our current ticket office and first-class lounge will continue to operate as normal, and will only transfer when the new premises are ready – ensuring continuity of service for our customers.”

Mark Green, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Glasgow Central