MAJOR building works have begun at Gatwick Airport Station.

In contrast to the current entrance to the railway station, a new “superstructure” will tower above existing platforms, doubling the space for passengers.

On Wednesday, December 8, work on the second concourse officially began.

The work is the latest step of ongoing upgrades taking place at the station, with plans to create wider platforms and improve pedestrian flow.

The project aims to make journeys from the train to the plane easier, generate a more reliable train service and deliver significant benefits for rail users, commuters and airport passengers.

To ensure state-of-the-art accessibility and connections for all passengers, once complete, the station will also have more escalators, lifts and stairs.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Gatwick is one of the UK’s busiest airports, and as we look towards a post-recovery future for aviation and rail, we need a station capable of meeting the growing demands of rail users, commuters and airport passengers from across the world.

“The upgrades being made to the station today will help the UK build back better from the pandemic, benefitting millions of people and helping to create new jobs and opportunities in the local area.”

The work is expected to finish by 2023.

Network Rail Southern Region managing director John Halsall said Gatwick Airport is a “key gateway” to the UK.

“As more people return to air and rail travel, it’s so important we give them a first-class passenger experience. By creating a new and more accessible station we’re doing just that and we’re so excited to reach this milestone in its transformation.”

Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport, with the number of people using the station each year growing by six million between 2010 and 2019.

The upgrades will enable the station to handle an increasing volume of daily passengers.

Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer at Gatwick Airport, said: “Work starting on the new station concourse means we’re edging closer to offering passengers a completely transformed railway station with a seamless transition into the airport, with more lifts, escalators and a doubling in the total size of the concourse.

“The new station will also complement huge improvements to rail services at the airport in recent years which together encourage more people to use public transport – a sustainable form of travel.”

Gatwick Express general manager Stephen MacCallaugh said: “We’re really pleased to reinstate our non-stop Gatwick Express service. Gatwick Airport plays a vital part in driving economic growth in the South East and we’re proud to support its recovery.

“This fabulous station upgrade is essential to accommodate the huge numbers of passengers we see in normal times, at the same time improving accessibility and the punctuality of trains passing through for airport users and commuters along the route.”

The news comes as Gatwick Express relaunches their service next week.