A 1960s railway station has been given a multimillion-pound makeover.

Network Rail has been working with Southern, Crawley Borough Council and the Arora Group to improve facilities at Crawley Station and bring it up to modern standards.

A new plaza, wider ticket gates and 44 new cycle parking spaces have been constructed at the station.

Signage has been improved to make it easier for passengers to make their way around the station.

The Argus: An open event was held to mark the makeoverAn open event was held to mark the makeover (Image: Network Rail)

Henry Smith, MP for Crawley, said: “76 years ago this week Crawley was designated as a new town and so after the public private partnership that has come together to fund a £6 million major revamp of Crawley Railway Station with new state-of-the-art facilities after many decades is a welcome gift to the borough’s passengers.

"As a regular commuter myself I look forward to the user-friendly services.”

The Argus: The former exterior of Crawley stationThe former exterior of Crawley station

The station is run by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern.

Keith Jipps, Govia Thameslink Railway's infrastructure director, said: "We’re delighted with this comprehensive refurbishment.

"It’s been a great team effort by Network Rail, Grove Developments and their contractors, who have worked with Crawley Council, Arora Group and ourselves to create a better experience all round for our customers.

"People using the station can now enjoy more space, new retail units, better shelter on the platforms, refurbished toilets and better cycle parking. We’re looking forward to the next phase of improvements, for car parking.

“Keeping the station open throughout the year of work was a complex challenge. We’re also very grateful to our customers, to our tenant, Metro Cars, and to our own station team for bearing with the inconvenience."

​A spokesman for Network Rail said: "The plaza at the front of the station added a more vibrant and eye-catching feel to the station and local community."

The station refurbishments form part of a wider programme of work which is being led by Crawley Borough Council and aims to redevelop Crawley town centre by improving the look and feel of the area. The changes include a new footbridge over the railway.