Work has completed on a new railway station in Kent.

The new Thanet Parkway station is the first station to be opened in Kent in eight years. It will provide services to London, East Kent and the wider region.

The station has two 250 metre platforms that can accommodate 12-car trains. Other features include, lifts and stairs to access the platforms, ticket vending machines, waiting shelters, hearing loops, CCTV landscaping works and passenger help points to provide remote assistance for those who need it.

Acoustic barriers have also been installed to absorb any noise impact and provide privacy for lineside neighbours once train services start operating from the station.

A new road provides access to the station from the A299 Hengist Way, with parking available for 293 vehicles, including 16 for Blue Badge holders, as well as a number of charging points for electric vehicles.

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The station and level crossing works has been jointly funded by the Government's Department for Transport (DfT); South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP); Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; Thanet District Council; East Kent Spatial Development Company; and Kent County Council.

Commenting on the project, David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said: "It's fantastic that Thanet Parkway will be opening next month, Kent’s first new station in eight years.

"The opening of this station is testament to the collaborative working relationship between our partners and Thanet Parkway will play a central role in helping boost the local economy and support tourism by providing connections to a wide range of leisure destinations.

"I look forward to seeing the first passengers using Thanet Parkway and would like to thank the many colleagues involved who have worked so hard with our partners in opening this new station."

Reflecting on the impact of the station, Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: "Thanet Parkway will allow the local community to access better employment, education, and business opportunities.

"I'm thrilled that, thanks to Government and industry funding, the fully accessible station will open next month, offering journeys on both mainline and highspeed train services to destinations across Kent, to London and beyond."