THE first image of major work at a railway station has been released to show commuters what it will look like.

Crawley Station is having a refurbishment which will give visitors a "much brighter welcome".

The work will move the ticket gates, improve the toilets, provide a longer London-bound platform canopy and install glazing that will brighten up the concourse.

While it is being carried out, a temporary station building will be in use to serve Thameslink and Southern passengers.

The Argus: What the inside of Crawley train station will look likeWhat the inside of Crawley train station will look like

Network Rail's route director for Sussex Katie Frost said: "This is a fantastic project that will give passengers a much better experience when they catch a train or arrive in Crawley.

"It's fair to say that the station was designed and built in a time when fewer passengers were using the railway and it's great to start to bring the station up to modern standards.

"Once the major work to the interior of the station starts in 2022, we'll be moving station facilities to a temporary building in the car park, so I'd like to thank passengers in advance for the change to their usual journeys."

The Argus: The outside of Crawley train stationThe outside of Crawley train station

As part of the project, the area around the station will also be improved as a public footbridge over the railway is to be repaired, and there will be other changes to the station front.

Councillor Peter Smith, Crawley Borough Council cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "The whole town has been waiting many years for improvements to Overline House to come forward.

"We welcome the commencement of works by Network Rail to modernise and improve the station ticket hall.

"We look forward to seeing the broader Station Gateway development get underway as soon as possible afterwards."