THE first phase of a £16m revamp of Chippenham Railway Station has been opened.

A new ticket hall, barriers and café are among some of the improvements as part of the £3m first phase.

Further improvements yet to take place include installing lifts, improving security and frontage, and creating more places to store and lock up bicycles.

The new ticket hall was officially opened last Wednesday where guests were joined by leader of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Jane Scott.

She said: “Chippenham is a vital and busy transport hub for Wiltshire, and we are proud and happy that we can contribute to making visits to the station a more pleasant experience.

“The station looks much smarter after this first phase.

“I am certain that the public will love the changes they see when the project is complete.”

The opening has been welcomed by commuters who regularly use the station, with chairman of Chippenham Rail Users Group Paul Johnson saying the changes are a long time coming but they are very welcome.

“I think everyone is pleased with the appearance of the new ticket hall, which echoes the old style of Great Western, which has been very well received,” he explained.

“It is very important and we were quite disappointed the lift wasn’t part of the initial works, but it is very welcome now the funding has been found.

“The revamp was definitely needed. The station hasn’t seen much attention over the previous years. It was time that some modern changes were added to the station.

“There is a very high community use and an increasing demand and it is time that it received investment.”

Great Western Rail operations director Rob Mullen added: “This is the beginning of a comprehensive scheme by GWR, Wiltshire Council and the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP.”

This initial £3 million phase forms part of a £16 million wider scheme to regenerate the station and surrounding area, which is funded through the Local Growth Deal and led by Wiltshire Council.

Plans for phase two will be available soon, including a public consultation event for the community to view and comment on the proposals.

Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership has committed to investing £16 million into the refurbishment of Chippenham Railway Station. John Mortimer, chairman of the SWLEP said: “This investment will enhance the station facilities and the development of surrounding land for improved car parking, commercial and residential property.”