A railway station is set to undergo a major overhaul to create “a gateway” into the city centre.

During a St Albans City and District Council’s Planning, Resources, Housing and Commercial Scrutiny committee meeting on Thursday, February 8, it was announce work will begin this summer.

Larry Heyman, the local development manager of Govia Thameslink Railway, said during the meeting that the main change will be to the Ridgemont Road entrance at St Albans City railway station.

A council spokesperson described the entrance as “looking like a greenhouse” but it will be pulled down and replaced with a larger building.

Cllr Roma Mills, the Committee’s Chairwoman, said after the meeting: “The long-awaited overhaul to St Albans station has been delayed, but we were assured that will get underway this summer.

“One of our members said this Committee has helped to bring about this uplift by putting constant pressure on the rail companies on behalf of our residents and I would agree with that.

“It’s important that we keep the pressure on and we will continue to monitor progress, particularly the impact of the new timetable and the work to St Albans rail station.”

The development will also include more ticket gates to reduce the rush-hour exit queues and an increase in ticket machines.

A council spokesperson added: “Parking bays will be removed to lay down a wider footpath to the entrance and create a gateway to St Albans City centre.

“Other alterations include expanding the main entrance’s concourse on Station Way with more ticket machines and converting a staff area into a shop.

“Canopies will be extended to shelter the full length of the platforms and a new waiting room created on the central platform.

“A new cycle hub with a repair shop and shower facilities will be built beside the entrance and there will also be a sit-down café, with toilets constructed on the adjoining platform four.”

In a separate development, Network Rail is also looking to build a second footbridge and obtain funding for the plan.

Govia press office has been contacted for a comment.