Work to complete the controversial multi-million pound Thanet Parkway station has been boosted by a six-figure sum earmarked for projects elsewhere.

County councillors were told today that £875,000 would be ploughed into the remaining stages of construction of the station which has already cost £34.5 million – more than double the original forecast of £14m.

The county council successfully bid for a share of money that had become unexpectedly available under the government’s Getting Building Fund project.

Two schemes – one in Medway for an innovation centre and another in Essex for a broadband boost – were due to get money but had not reached a point where it could be used.

As a result, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), which is overseeing the initiative, invited bids for a slice of the windfall.

The costs of the Thanet Parkway project have edged up significantly over the five years, with the latest cost rise being attributed largely because of inflation, with steel prices adding £330,000 and a £115,000 increase needed for an acoustic barrier.

The station plan has divided opinion, with some saying it is unnecessary and the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Cllr Rosalind Binks (Con), who represents Broadstairs, said the area was seeing a lot more homes and there would be opportunities for residents to use the station.

Speaking at a meeting of KCC’s economic scrutiny committee, she defended the scheme that some say will prove to be a white elephant.

“It is not a question of people not wanting it…there are quite a few who do want to use it because it will be quicker than the alternative up the north coast," she said.

"As a commuter for 20 years, I know that every second counts.

“It is not a case of the local population not wanting it – there is a 50/50 split.”

Labour county councillor Mel Dawkins questioned who chose projects to fund.

“It is a significant amount of money. I am sure a lot of districts and businesses had shovel-ready projects and we just don't seem to have had much choice.”

Network Rail, which is overseeing the work, says it will “increase connectivity to London and the wider Kent region”.

The new station is between Minster and Ramsgate stations and will be served by both mainline and high-speed trains.

The station will include two platforms that will be able to accommodate 12-carriage trains and there will be close to 300 parking places.