The first phase of the redevelopment of Ipswich station has been competed with the new ticket barriers and concourse opened to the public.

There are new seats and plug points for people waiting for trains, and the first two retail units at the station are due to be occupied within the next few weeks.

Work on the ticket office and booking hall is now well under way and is due to be completed by the middle of October, which is when the temporary office that has operated outside the station will be removed.

The final phase of the redevelopment, the remodelling of the forecourt and the access to the station, is due to be completed by the end of the year which should create a more attractive entrance to the station and be easier for people approaching it by foot.

Abellio Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager, James Steward, said: “The redevelopment will greatly improve the layout and create a more spacious, modern feel to bring the station into the 21st century and improve the station environment for our customers.

“We have already received a lot of positive feedback about the first phase of the works and we are very pleased with how the project is progressing so far.”

The total cost of the work at the station is £2m, split between the internal work which is the responsibility of Abellio Greater Anglia and the changes to the forecourt which is being managed by Suffolk County Council.

The project is being part-funded by the National Stations Improvement Programme and is aimed at making life easier for passengers – and to create a more attractive entrance to the station.