Broughty Ferry station is on the right track for a thriving future, according to a local leader, with more trains and passengers and a new business set to move on to the site.
George Ferguson, chairman of Broughty Ferry Community Council, was speaking as Network Rail entered the final stage of the restoration and redevelopment of the halt.
The Category A listed station building is the oldest in Scotland still in use, dating to 1838, and 15 years ago it faced a bleak future.
Very few trains stopped there, the building and signal box deteriorated and a demolition plan was drawn up. City councillors rejected that move and a series of projects were started to safeguard and upgrade the complex.
The station has now been rescued from its “at risk” status on the Scottish register of threatened structures and the finishing touches are being put to the improvements.
A spokesman for Network Rail said they have recently invested around £650,000 in the station on various aspects of work. This included moving the signal box from the north to south platforms and refurbishing the underpass.
Some internal fit-out work has still to be done and this will be completed once the future use of the space has been assessed.
“We have previously had some expressions of interest in the property but we have not identified a firm tenant as yet,” he added.
The site has planning permission for use as a restaurant and there were reports that Pizza Express were interested.
Mr Ferguson said: “We are delighted at the progress that has been made and we compliment our planning secretary David Hewick for all the work he has done is pressing for the improvements.
“The railway authorities have been persuaded to stop more trains at Broughty Ferry and that has been a great help.
“The more trains that stop even on Sundays means more people visit the station and these people are good for helping business not just in the station but also in Broughty Ferry.
“I am sure that Broughty Ferry station can look forward to a bright future and what has been happening there has been integral to the improvements in Broughty Ferry at large.
“Progress is being made with the local development plan and the local traders have been very active in playing their part. Broughty Ferry is on the up and the station has been at the heart of this process.”
Dundee SNP administration leader and Broughty Ferry councillor Ken Guild echoed Mr Ferguson’s words and added: “It would have been a tragedy if such a historical building as the station had been knocked down and I am delighted that we have come this far with the redevelopment.
“It was crucial to get more trains to stop at Broughty Ferry and now that this process has started, I would like to see still more trains stopping.
“Moving and refurbishing the signal box has been very welcome in adding to the ambience of the site and I share the hope that we will be successful in marketing the south side for commercial purposes.”
Broughty Ferry Labour councillor Laurie Bidwell agreed, adding: “With some ticket prices from our station having been reduced, more people are letting the Broughty Ferry train take the strain.”
He now wanted an hourly stopping service, which he hoped the Scottish Government will include in the new franchise, and an automated ticket vending machine.