THURROCK Council has released new images of the planned Stanford-le-Hope railway station rebuild, which is due to start in the coming months after years of delay.

Planning permission for the project, which has been blighted by delays and overspend, was granted in July last year and contractors VolkerFitzpatrick were appointed to carry out the work in March this year.

The new CGI images give residents view of what's to come ahead of spades hitting the ground later this year, including wider platforms, new canopies, and a footbridge with lifts.

The pictures feature modern canopy structures designed to create an inviting space that maximises visibility as far as possible and provide areas that feel open and safe.

During the major station upgrade the old footbridge will be removed and replaced. New lifts will also ensure all passengers are able to move freely within the station, and Platform One will be widened to ease overcrowding during peak hours and to further improve passenger safety.

Cabinet member for regeneration and external affairs, Cllr Mark Coxshall, said: "The major redevelopment of Stanford-le-Hope railway station is now moving at pace, and I am delighted that residents will soon see spades hitting the ground.

"The new fit-for-purpose station will provide a high-quality experience for passengers that will be accessible and safe. It will be a huge improvement on the look and feel of the local area and we are determined to get the job done for the residents of Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Fobbing and Horndon on the Hill, as we continue to build the right infrastructure in the right places to support our residents and local businesses."

The station is expected to cost around £30 million, more than triple its original budget. That has included spending £11 million on consultants.

One of the firms in receipt of more than £1 million for its work is AECOM. Shadi Shekarrizi, AECOM's Rail Director, said: "We are very excited about working with Thurrock Council and our partners from VolkerFitzpatrick on a swift implementation of this new station scheme. We will be looking into off-site construction methods to reduce the time required on site, and the amount of disruption and track or station possessions."

Architect Erik Behrens, AECOM's Design Practice Director, added: "We designed the station in a way which provides delight and a high-quality experience to the user. Its modern canopy structures lends the station a visual prominence and character that is open and all inviting. The new station will not only enhance all passenger experiences and safety, it will furthermore create a new gateway and communal space which holds the potential of becoming a catalyst for future developments in its surroundings."

Paul Lilley, Operations Director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: "Our team is focused and working hard in the office to get everything ready for starting the physical work on Stanford-le-Hope Station. Our collaborative and methodical approach will ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and that progress is made safely and swiftly."