Passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport by train will benefit from more reliable and punctual journeys, easier access, reduced congestion and better facilities after funding was secured for a major upgrade of the station.

Gatwick has the fastest route by rail into central London from any London airport. Through this scheme, the station facilities will also get a much needed face-lift which will complement the improvements Gatwick is making to the airport through its £1bn investment programme.

Gatwick Airport's rail services are also a vital link for communities and businesses across West and East Sussex, underpinning the importance this investment to help build a more sustainable economic future for the South East.

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The £53 million improvements to Gatwick Airport station will be funded jointly by Network Rail and Gatwick Airport.

Mark Ruddy, Network Rail's Route Director for Sussex, said: "Gatwick relies on rail and this upgrade will make a real difference for passengers. By providing a better travelling experience, together with the convenience, safety and environmental benefits associated with travelling by train we hope more people will use the railway to make their journeys to and from the airport."

Gatwick Airport station was the start or end for more than 11.5m journeys last year, making it the busiest airport station in Britain and a significant transport hub in the South East. It remains an aspiration for the future, subject to funding becoming available, to make further improvements creating a single, integrated transport hub at Gatwick.

Work to finalise the design of the scheme will start immediately with the relocation of the substation due to commence in summer 2011. Passengers will begin to see progress at the station but the major construction work is not scheduled to start on site until Autumn 2012 after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games have finished. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

(CD/BMcC)