Maidstone East station has reopened to the public following a £5.2m upgrade to the station’s facilities and amenities.
Passengers will now be able to enjoy a more spacious entrance and concourse, a brand-new waiting room, café and ticket office.
The station was officially opened by Mayor of Maidstone Councillor Fay Gooch.
Cllr Gooch was joined by representatives from Network Rail, Southeastern, Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council and the main contractor Geoffrey Osborne Ltd.
Further work is now underway to increase parking and pedestrian access at the side of the station.
Improved lighting and CCTV, more accessible parking and drop off spaces are being installed along with improved connectivity to Maidstone Barracks station.
The station upgrade forms a key part of Kent County and Maidstone Borough Councils’ plans to regenerate the town centre area around the station.
Network Rail commented on the recent upgrades to the redeveloped Maidstone East station.
Fiona Taylor, Route Managing Director for Network Rail’s Kent route said: “The station upgrade is now complete and looks fantastic.
“I’m confident passengers will love the new-look Maidstone East – it’s something everyone can really be proud of.
“‘I’d like to thank our passengers and residents for their patience while the project has progressed through some very tough times.
“We’re delighted the station is now fully open, providing an impressive welcome for regular rail users as well as visitors to the town.”
Cllr Gooch also commented on the importance of the station upgrades to the town of Maidstone.
Cllr Gooch said: “The station upgrade at Maidstone East has already made a huge difference to the town.
“It’s bright and airy which staff and passengers have wanted for some time.
“The facilities are all first class and the landscaped forecourt will look splendid next year when spring is in bloom.”
The upgrades at Maidstone East station serve as an example of the collaborative work taking place between Network Rail and Southeastern.
