THE multi-million pound transformation of Bromsgrove Railway Station is gathering pace following the launch of a new public consultation on the ambitious proposals.

And new artists’ impressions have been released, showing how the long-awaited new Aston Fields-based station could look.

Last spring the Advertiser reported an agreement on funding for the station, estimated to be around £13 million, had been reached between Worcestershire County Council, Centro, and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive and Authority.

Finding the funds had previously been the major stumbling block delaying the scheme.

The county council say planning approval will be sought next autumn and, if given the green-light, construction work could begin in 2014 in time for a summer 2015 opening.

The current plan is for the station to be built 200 yards south of the existing one on the site of the old Goods Yard, allowing Network Rail to electrify the line.

Electrification is crucial as this would increase the number of trains to and from Bromsgrove and Birmingham - potential to an extra three per hour.

The plans are for a four platform station connected by a covered footbridge and lifts.

The station could include a ticket desk, toilets, a retail facility and a taxi rank and drop off point.

A 350-space car park is proposed, as well as cycle storage, motorbike parking, and electric car parking with charging points.

The local road network around the station would also be revamped under the scheme.

Station Approach, in New Road, would continue to be the main access road to the station but an existing road off Stoke Road would be improved, becoming a second road entrance, while additional access for pedestrians and cyclists would be available off Garrington Road.

On street parking restrictions have been suggested, including the possible introduction of permits.

The existing station would remain in use throughout construction, with commuters being told not to expect any changes to journey times.

Townsfolk can have their say on the plans as part of a three month consultation running from January 7.

On January 15, 16, 29 and 30 an exhibition bus will be at Bromsgrove Station between 7-9.45am and 4-6pm, and in High Street between 10.30am-3.30pm.

The exhibition will also be at the Council House, Burcot Lane, between 4-6pm on January 16.

Bromsgrove’s MP Sajid Javid said he was thrilled the station proposal is moving ahead.

“It is something people have talked about for years,” the MP said.

“When the funding was secured it meant moving on to the next important stage - planning.

“I would encourage all those people (who use the station) to take part in the consultation and give their views.”

For more details, or to take part in an online survey, see worcestershire.gov.uk/bromsgrovestation.