A MAJOR overhaul for Hayes & Harlington station, as part of the Crossrail programme, has been approved by Hillingdon Council.

The distinctive glass and steel structure will create a landmark station that is more visible and prominent than the existing station.

A bright, spacious ticket hall will provide a more welcoming environment and a range of other improvements will include a new footbridge with four lifts to provide step-free access to every platform, a new waiting room on platforms 4 and 5, platform extensions and new lighting, customer information screens help points and CCTV.

The new building, designed by Bennetts Associates, will be situated immediately to the north of the existing station and will replace a commercial property currently on the site.

Work will start in the late Spring and last for around 18 months.

From the end of 2017, the station will be run by Transport for London as part of London’s integrated transport network.

Cllr Douglas Mills, cabinet member for regeneration at Hillingdon Council, said: "This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an impressive and welcoming gateway in the town.”

A public information session will be held on Tuesday, March 24, to inform local people about the station plans and work scheduled in the area over Easter. The session is at Play Hayes, next to Tesco Express in Station Approach, 3-7.30pm.

When Crossrail fully opens in 2019, up to ten services an hour in each direction will serve Hayes & Harlington station, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains.

The journey to Bond Street will be 15 minutes quicker, and passengers travelling to Canary Wharf will be able to reduce their journey time by 17 minutes.

Crossrail has also been working with Hillingdon on plans for improving the area around the station. This would include a new public space in Station Approach by providing better pedestrian crossings, continuous cycle lanes, tree planting, and safer junctions.