The benefits of the brand new Newport station will be far-reaching and lasting, says local government and transport leaders as the new gateway of Wales opened to passengers.

The transformed Newport station, the largest station revamp in Wales, marks a step forward in achieving the vision of regenerating the city into a dynamic, thriving and business-friendly city.

The investment also leads the way for a successful partnership between local government, businesses and the rail industry in improving rail infrastructure to support social and economic developments, especially in time of spending cuts.

Twice the size of the old station, the new station building is poised to cater to future passenger growth and an expected influx of 2,000 more passengers per day during the Ryder Cup.

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Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport said: "I am delighted that this remarkable station has now reopened. It will improve the experience of passengers and provides striking entry for people as they arrive in Wales.

"World class facilities like these are central to making Wales an attractive place to live, work and visit. Our new approach to economic development focuses on creating a high quality infrastructure so that businesses, large and small, are well connected within and beyond Wales. This station will certainly play a huge part in connecting Wales to the world."

The opening of the station marks the first stage of completion to enable station facilities to settle into readiness before the start of Ryder Cup. The second stage of completion will focus on snagging work as well as finishing touches to the footbridge, car parking and staff offices.

The station measures 2,100 square metres and has two concourses, equipped with CCTV, real-time customer information system, improved ticketing and information points and more shops. Passengers will be able to access the station from an extra new entrance on the north of the city. In addition, passengers with luggage, prams or wheelchairs will benefit from easy access onto all the platforms using lifts within the station building.

(CD/KMcA)