Strood station has reopened after a £2.59 million upgrade.

The station now has a larger booking hall, a new waiting room and better facilities for passengers.

Trains from the station continued to run but the main building was closed for nine months while the work was carried out.

David Wornham, Passenger Services Director, Southeastern said:“We are delighted to be opening our fantastic new Strood station as part of our programme to improve stations and facilities and make the journey experience better for our passengers.

“We have worked in close partnership with Medway Council, who co-funded the project.

"The new station shows how Southeastern’s investment in our network is contributing to wider economic and community development in Medway and North Kent.”

Medway Council are currently regenerating the Towns with the aim of bringing £1 billion of private sector investment to the area.

Cllr Rodney Chambers, Medway Council’s portfolio holder covering the local growth fund, said:“We are pleased that the new station is now open with more modern and improved facilities for passengers.

“More people are living, working, studying and visiting Medway than ever before and it is vital that we continue to provide good infrastructure.

“Strood’s new railway station is another example of Medway Council successfully partnering with Southeastern and Network Rail to invest in gateway stations across Medway.

“The newly improved stations give visitors a fantastic first impression of the area, as soon as they step off the train.

Further improvements are set to be carried out in Strood as part of the council’s £9million investment.