Many Carshalton Central residents who use Sutton Town Centre for shopping or for work may be interested in the £1.3million revamp of Sutton station which is set to provide a better service for commuters, businesses and shoppers.

The work is intended to improve the interchange and accessibility around the station, and linkages to the town centre.  It includes opening up a new entrance from The Quadrant, extending the station building and installing new barriers, ticket machines, CCTV and lighting. It will also include improvements to public transport, cycle and pedestrian facilities and enhancements to the public realm.

Cllr Simon Wales, Chair of the Sutton Gateway Project Board, said: “This is an important scheme that should provide huge benefits to everyone who uses the station.

“The station and the surrounding area will look better and it will be quicker, easier and safer to get in and out, buy tickets and get on a train.”

Development of the project, funded by Transport for London, Network Rail and Sutton, is underway now. Works to introduce the new access to the station are expected to start in December this year for completion by March. The designs for the proposals around the station will go out to public consultation in February next year and work is expected to begin in July.

The station deals with almost six million passenger movements a year and it has been identified as one of the 18 most congested stations in London.

The aims of the project improve accessibility to the station as well as enhancing the area around it and supporting the overall growth of Sutton town centre by creating a more attractive experience for visitors arriving at the high street from the station area.

The alterations will set the tone for Sutton, as well as providing practical support to local business ­- near to the station and beyond – with improved transport links and overall accessibility. The council will work with local residents, businesses and community stakeholders through a Stakeholder Group to develop the scheme, as well as going to public consultation. If you want to get involved please contact suttonstation@sutton.gov.uk