THIS artist’s impression shows what Didcot Parkway railway station will look like when a £7.7m revamp has been completed.

Work on the 15-month project to transform the station began in September last year.

The scheme to transform the forecourt, making it easier to use, is well under way and follows First Great Western’s ticket office upgrade and the installation of new ticket barriers, costing £1.89m.

The county council, which is leading the scheme to redesign the forecourt – making it easier and safer for cyclists, taxis, pedestrians, cars and buses to use, is working with South Oxfordshire District Council.

Didcot Town Council leader Margaret Davies said: “People will be very interested to see these images showing what Didcot Parkway will look like when the work is completed.

“Yes, there is disruption around the station at the moment but people have no choice – they have got to be patient.”

As part of the changes, the East car park is being rebuilt with its own entrance and exit to reduce delays when drivers are leaving the station at peak times.

The forecourt will have new footpaths and signs, a glass canopy and a large central piazza that will lead to the crossing in Station Road.

There will also be a new bus station with more bus stops to make it easier for people to use local buses to get to the station.

A statement on http://didcotparkway.info, a website providing updates about the revamp, said: “Transforming Didcot Station is a key project in helping to boost the economy of Didcot and Science Vale Oxfordshire, the UK’s leading centre for science, technology and innovation.

“Oxfordshire County Council is working with South Oxfordshire District Council both in the funding and in the realisation of this project.

“For many, the railway station will be their first introduction to Science Vale Oxfordshire, so it’s absolutely essential that this gateway gives a first-rate impression.

“We want people arriving in Didcot to feel they are in a place that is welcoming, developing, forward- thinking and open for business. “The new station interchange will be good for residents that commute and will make getting around much easier.

“It will create the right impression for staff and visitors to shops and local businesses, and support the business community in the Science Vale Enterprise Zone.

“This will, in turn, create many new opportunities for today’s generation and those who follow who will be the future residents of the town.”