Rochester’s new railway station is taking shape with platforms, stairs and underpass in place.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin was given a tour of the £26m project today (Monday).

The new terminal, 500m up the track from the current location, will accommodate 12-car trains and mean passengers will step off the train in the heart of the historic town.

During his visit, Mr McLoughlin followed the journey that will eventually be taken by passengers through an underpass from Corporation Street, opposite the cathedral, and up to the platforms.

He said: “Rochester’s new station will be a big improvement for this historic town. It will benefit commuters and visitors thanks to longer trains and more seats for passengers."

The new station is part of a major investment in the railways, which includes improvements at Strood and a new platform at Rainham.

Dave Ward, Network Rail’s managing director for the south east, said: “This station is part of a fantastic investment in Kent’s railway and will have a real benefit for passengers and the Medway Towns.

“We are improving the reliability of the railway, making space for more trains to run in peak times and contributing to the regeneration of the area.”

Cllr Rodney Chambers, leader of Medway Council, joined the minister on his tour today.

He said: “The new station is of huge improvement, not just to Rochester, but to Medway as a whole, and forms a vital part of our plans for regeneration in that area, particularly our adjacent flagship development site at Rochester Riverside.”

The underpass from the town centre to the station will also provide access to the Rochester Riverside development on the other side of the tracks, where homes, businesses and hotels are planned.

Work on the station is due to be completed in December this year.