The multi million pound revamp of Aberdeen Station moves into its second phase on 29 January 2007 as the programme of works continues towards providing customers with a modern and fully accessible station environment.

Phase two will see a number of improvements introduced, including enhanced facilities, improved access and security and increased car parking. The works are being carried out through a partnership between First ScotRail, Network Rail and Hammerson, along with Miller construction.

The phase, which will be take around 23 weeks to complete, will see the closure of the existing station car park to allow for the demolition of the North Block and a temporary car park, located behind the bus station, come into operation. Directional signage to this car park will be in place and customers should allow a few extra minutes to get to the station. In addition, dedicated spaces in the College Street multi storey car park will also be available once refurbishment work has been completed.

Customers will already have seen ticket vending machines installed on the concourse, which will provide a quick and convenient means of purchasing a ticket prior to travel. Work will commence on installing ticket gates at the end of January, which are scheduled to be begin operating in February. As the majority of works will be carried out at night, there will be little disruption to customers during this time. February will also see the arrival of a further ticket purchasing facility located on the platform side of the gates, for the benefit of customers travelling in to Aberdeen from unstaffed stations.

Work will also start on the installation of two new lifts. These will be located on the concourse and far side of platform 7, allowing customers in wheelchairs, those travelling with buggies or heavy luggage, easy access between the two areas.

Some changes to the internal and external layout of the station will be introduced during this phase. Customers coming in from the Guild Street entrance will be rerouted round the front of the building and will access the station through a provisional entrance. Guidance posters will be provided around the station and surrounding area and customers are advised that a couple of minutes should be added to their journey time in getting to the station, to cater for this temporary change.

Access to and from the concourse for customers boarding and alighting from Platfrom 6 North will also be amended due to the temporary relocation of a retail unit. During this time, access will be at the top end of the station, by the main platform area and staff will be on hand to provide any assistance.

To enhance the overall feeling of security, new and additional CCTV cameras will be installed around the station and in the dedicated area of the multi storey car park. These will be linked directly to First ScotRail’s CCTV centre in Dunfermline which is monitored 24 hours a day.

Peter Williams, Commercial Director at First ScotRail, said: “The programme of works is already taking shape and we are pleased with the progress made so far. This next phase will see a considerable number of temporary and permanent changes introduced which will see the planned enhanced station environment begin to take shape. We are working closely with our project partners to keep disruption to a minimum and doing everything we can to ensure customers are kept informed and information is easily available.”

Simon Travis, Assistant Director, Retail at Hammerson, said: "The Hammerson funded £6million package of station improvements form an important part of our overall Union Square retail and leisure development, and the various works when completed, will bring a whole range of benefits for people travelling into and out of the City by train."