A new lounge could be built at Edinburgh Waverley Station to assist those with "protected characteristics" while they wait on a train.
As part of a rollout across the East Coast Mainline, the spacious lounge would be built in the main Waverley building as a "space space" for customers to relax.
LNER are behind the plans to introduce the dedicated seating area while also maintaining the heritage of the A-Listed building in the city centre. It is understood that the lounge will only be available to LNER customers and would include features such as wheelchair storage and both long and short stay areas with furniture.
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In a design statement outlining the proposals put to Edinburgh Council, they say: "The Assistance Lounge aims to provide a comfortable and welcoming facility for passengers with protected characteristics, with a focus on improving the accessibility of the station for those with reduced mobility.
"The lounge will consist of an open-plan area, divided into long and short-stay through differing seating areas which includes moveable and stackable furniture, allowing station staff to adapt the space to the daily requirements. In addition to seating, a welcome podium/desk is proposed, as well as a storage area for wheelchairs and spare seating.
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"The existing staff service area and office are to be reconfigured, forming a corridor and 2No. offices, increasing the office space at the site with minimal disruption to the building’s heritage features."
If permission is granted, the new lounge area would replace the existing LNER customer reception area and 'minor' refurbishment work would ensure the area is restored to its natural beauty without damaging the historic building.
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