Under the proposals, Network Rail will construct a new station building and train operating facility, redesign the road lay-out to improve access to bus and taxi services and demolish several redundant buildings.

The project will also see the renovation of the existing platforms, the installation of a new platform canopy, the creation of a new covered walkway to the ferry terminal and the refurbishment of the north wall to include glazed sections offering unobstructed sea views.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail’s director Scotland, said:
“In the current economic climate, with many organisations scaling back on investment projects and development plans, Network Rail is committed to continuing to improve the country’s rail network and will be spending nearly £3bn across Scotland’s railway in the next five years.”

The station is set to be completed in 2011.

The investment in Gourock is one of several projects for the Inverclyde area, with Wemyss Bay station also earmarked for more than £4m-worth of renovation work and platform improvement works at Port Glasgow having recently been completed.