Work to improve the ticket hall and concourse at Ipswich railway station is due to get under way within the next few weeks – the scheme has now been shown off to passengers.

Ipswich Star: An artists' impression of the new station entrance at IpswichAn artists' impression of the new station entrance at Ipswich (Image: Archant)

The current WH Smith bookstall and buffet will be swept away to create a larger waiting area with shop and food takeaway units at the side.

The ticket office will remain in the same place, and the barriers – with more gates – will be in the middle of the open space to allow passengers to circulate more easily.

The ticket office will remain in its current position.

Work on the changes – which will cost about £2 million – is due to start in the next few weeks and should be completed by spring next year.

Later in the year work is due to start on changes to the station forecourt to make it easier for taxis and other vehicles to drop off passengers – and for pedestrians to get to and from the station.

The start of the work on the station building is to be marked by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer who felt the changes would be a major improvement for passengers.

He said: “There are many improvements that need to be made, but this will create a much better environment for passengers arriving at the station.

“I also hope it will encourage more retailers to come into some of the other units that will be created as part of the work to give passengers more choice while they are waiting for their train.”