A million-pound development which allows people to cycle to the train station and park up in a safe, dry and secure hub has opened.

The gleaming glass building next the Gravesend station can house more than 280 bikes, and is equipped with a DIY repair centre and tools, electric bike charging points secure fob entry and CCTV.

Before handing over to Gravesham MP Adam Holloway for the opening ceremony, Mike Gibson from Southeastern said the hub was vital and needed because “we as a country are congested, polluted and in the midst of an obesity crises”.

As he cut the ribbon Mr Holloway added: “I genuinely think this looks really good, and will tackle a problem many commuters face. Risking leaving your bike chained outside to get stolen or taking it on the train with you to work.

“I often see people walking back from work late in the evening, briefcase in hand along Singlewell road. It’s quite a commute.

“The cycle hub means that people can trust their bikes are being left in a safe and secure place and will still be there when they get back from work. I also think the bike repair area is a good idea – I need to use it myself.”

Southeastern has also installed secure cycle parking at other local stations nearby, including Dartford and Greenhithe stations, adding 154 and 50 extra spaces at each respectively.

Previously at Gravesend there were only 90 bike spaces, but the new hub is fitted with hydraulic-sprung racks which means they can make the most of the space, with two-tier racks.

Of the spaces, 222 are available upstairs in a secure gated compound and there are 62 spaces available downstairs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stephen Spencer-Jones, Southeastern station manager at Gravesend, added: “The additional cycle storage is a welcome addition to Gravesend station as the number of passengers choosing to cycle to the station continues to rise. I know lots of passengers like to ride their bike to the station using one of the many local cycling routes.”

The hub has been funded by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and Kent County Council.