Following the fire which destroyed the station building at Troon in July 2021, Network Rail developed three concept design options for the reinstatement of the building.

These options were presented to the community in August for consideration initially before being posted online for comment and feedback. The purpose was to define a single option which would be progressed to detailed design.

It has emerged that ‘option 2’ – an interpretation of the previous structure with the removal of redundant elements (chimneys) and an enlarged and reconfigured internal space, has proven to be the community’s preference.

More than 150 people attended the community engagement event to view plans and images of the concept designs and asked questions direct to the project team. At this event there were positive conversations in relation to internal layouts and aesthetics and facilities and around the function of the station as part of the wider community.

As well as the engagement event and feedback via the website, the project team also met with the town’s community council to gauge the opinion of the local people in relation to the proposals.

Jo Noble, Network Rail’s sponsor for the redevelopment of Troon station, said: “We are delighted that local people took a great interest in the plans for the station building and that their preference for a particular option emerged.

“From the engagement activities held in Troon, public feeling indicates a strong preference to retain the historic character of their station while reflecting modern standards and offering facilities and amenities of benefit to the community.

“Option 2 best suited the criteria and consequently, we will reflect the views of the local people and evolve this concept into a fully developed design for the redevelopment of the station building.

“Thank you to everyone in the community who took the time to view the plans, ask questions and share their views with us during this process.”

With the preferred option now chosen, Network Rail will now take the concept into detailed design before sharing the output of this with the community again in advance of it being submitted for planning approval.