WORK on Bromsgrove's new multi-million pound railway station is set to get underway this month.

In February the Advertiser revealed preparation work, including the installation of several new retaining structures and realignment of the existing track routes, had begun at the Aston Fields site.

Tomorrow, March 13, a ceremony is being held to mark the beginning of the main work to construct the station, being built 250 metres south of the current New Road one.

The £17.4 million station is needed because the location of the current station does not allow the extension of the existing three-carriage platforms, or accommodate the needs of the electrification of the railway line.

The new station is planned to accommodate six carriage trains, with the possibility for future extension for nine carriage trains.

The station will feature an external concourse linked to new bus stops, taxi rank, and pedestrian footpaths.

It is also set to feature a staffed ticket office, a passenger waiting room, toilets, automated ticketing, covered cycle storage, vending machines, and covered access to the lift and stairs.

Roger Horton, Centro's lead member for rail, said: "I am delighted that work is getting underway.

"This is an exciting development for Bromsgrove.

“The new station, together with connection to the Cross City line and electrification, will mean better and more frequent services for passengers.”

The station is earmarked for a 2015 opening, while work on a separate electrification scheme - bringing all four of the station's new platforms into use - is expected to be completed by May 2016.