New £9m train station on track to open on Wednesday

HASTINGS train station is on track to open this Wednesday.

After nine years in the planning and 9million investment, the modern station will welcome its first customers next week.

And it's out with the old, with the demolition of the old 1930s building the following day.

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Station manager Peter Richardson said: "It's the first thing that people see when they travel on the train to Hastings, so it should inspire and encourage people to go into town. The old building did not meet the requirements of the public.

"People were stressed before they even got on the train.

"This station is much more user friendly."

The new building includes a cafe, bright and spacious family waiting rooms, seating areas, toilets, and information centre, lifts and greater disabled facilities.

The modern ticket office will be open from 5.30am-10.30pm and plans are underway for a ticket barrier system.

Station Approach will have improved access for buses and taxis, with 72 car parking spaces available later in the year on the site of the old building.

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The blue tinted glass front of the station has been coated in anti-etching material, so the building will keep its futuristic looks in years to come.

The Safer Hastings Partnership are holding talks as to how to best monitor the 49 security cameras, and ensure a safer station.

Taking a tour of the station on Thursday, MP Michael Foster said: "It's more than just simply functional.

"It's very well built and it really is a gateway to the town that we should all be proud of."

The official opening of the station will take place on October 14.