A map showing how an overhaul of Canterbury West station and its immediate surroundings will look has been revealed by the city council.

The concept drawing shows how an improved 'integrated transport hub' - where buses and taxis will pick up passengers - will operate from the station.

Drawn up by the council, Stagecoach, Southeastern and Network Rail, the map takes into account the highly-controversial £9.1 million multi-storey car park which is to start being built next month.

The authority hopes the transport hub will offer better transport links for train passengers as soon as they exit the station.

Chairman of the Regeneration and Property Committee, Cllr Ben Fitter-Harding, said: “This is our collaborative idea of how the area could look in the future as the multi-storey car park and additional spaces it brings unlocks land around the station, allowing its function as a transport hub to be enhanced.

“Between us we will need to draw up more detailed plans, and decide how the improvements will be funded.

“We will work hard with our partners to deliver this plan and our map provides all those who are involved with something to aspire to.”

A petition calling for the 370-space car park plans to be scrapped is set to be presented at tonight's full council meeting.

Starting at 7pm at the Guildhall, the meeting is expected to draw in anti-car park campaigners calling on the council to not commit itself into beginning construction work.