Plans to modernise Redhill railway station and deliver a landmark regeneration project have been approved by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's Planning Committee.

The multimillion station upgrade will bring substantial benefits to passengers as well as demonstrate the importance of Redhill as a key transport hub.  

Cllr Natalie Bramhall, Executive Member for Property and Regeneration for Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said: "The scale of investment this development will bring will give a massive boost to our town centre regeneration ambitions.

"It will vastly improve the station and the modern ticket hall and public plaza will make this important entrance to the town so much more attractive and welcoming. The new homes, increased food shopping choice and the jobs it will create will be great for local people and the local economy.

"What's more, it will act as a catalyst to attract further private sector investment into Redhill to make it a thriving and prosperous town centre."

The £7m station improvements include a new ticket office on the town side entrance of the station, a new station entrance with improved ticketing on the Redstone Hill side of the station, new multi storey car park with 450 spaces, new taxi rank and public pick up/drop-off area plus more cycle parking spaces, new public square outside the main station entrance and improved pedestrian links into the town centre.

The development is being promoted by Solum Regeneration, a partnership between Network Rail and Kier Property, which was established to bring private investment into the rail network.

Solum Regeneration's Director, Simon Rutter, said: "The regeneration of Redhill station is long overdue. We have received overwhelming support from the local community and are delighted that the Council has approved the scheme. We look forward to continuing to work with the community and the Council in delivering these improvements."

The station improvements are accompanied by the development of a 25,000 sq ft Waitrose food store and 150 top of the range one and two-bedroom apartments.

Nigel Keen, Waitrose Director of Development, said: "It's encouraging that in a challenging climate, Redhill continues to attract new investment and we're looking forward to playing our part in bringing new shoppers here. In addition to delivering a quality food store, we will also be creating 200 new jobs for local people and donating £12,000 and 250 hours per year of our staff time to local charities and projects nominated by our customers."