Passengers using Aberdeen Station can look forward to a more modern, accessible and user friendly station - as the first phase of a multi-million pound revamp and refurbishment gets underway at the start of 2007.

A partnership between First ScotRail, Network Rail and Hammerson, the development company responsible for managing the project and Miller, who will carry out the works, will see the station transformed over the course of the next year. There will be a host of new facilities.

Work begins in early January. A seven-phase programme will see new automatic ticket gates installed as well as the relocation of some current facilities, including the ticket office and car park at the front of the building. Signage will be erected in advance of the work starting to ensure that customers are clear on any changes to the layout during the project.

A temporary covered walkway will be in operation during the majority of time the works are carried out. The walkway will re-route customers from the side entrance from the Trinity Centre to the concourse. Customers should be aware that this may add a few minutes to their journey in accessing the station and should allow a little extra time.

The benefits of the revamp are numerous and will result in a new, improved station environment. New ticket vending machines will be installed, providing more opportunities to purchase tickets prior to boarding a train. There will also be a new ticket office complete with the latest ticket machine technology as well as CCTV covering all areas of the station, providing an increased sense of security for customers.

In addition, two new lifts will be installed to take customers from the concourse area across to Platform 7, making the station more accessible for customers using wheelchairs, travelling with young children, or with heavy luggage.

The car park will be relocated to the nearby multi-storey car park in College Street and will have dedicated floors and more spaces available specifically for rail customers.

Peter Williams, Commercial Director at First ScotRail, said: “This programme of works will result in the provision of a far more suitable station environment, which will meet the demands of today’s train users. The enhanced facilities will make the station more accessible, more convenient and more suitable for all our customers, which I am confident will lead to a further rise in the number of people choosing rail as their preferred mode of travel.”

Simon Travis, Assistant Director, Retail at Hammerson, said: "Hammerson is delighted to be working in partnership with First ScotRail and associated companies to deliver this major project. Aberdeen's rail customers will reap the benefits of the development as it progresses over the next year, bringing improved station facilities and an enhanced environment."

David Simpson, Network Rail’s route director for Scotland said: “The project will bring significant investment to Aberdeen station for the benefit of rail travellers and will also deliver new freight facilities which will considerably benefit the local community.”

Brian McQuade, Joint Managing Director, Miller Construction: “Miller Construction is pleased to be carrying out the contract for these works and has spent a lot of time planning ahead to ensure that disruption to the station users will be kept to a minimum. “We have already started advance works and prepared a temporary car park to ensure a swift start to the operations in the New Year. We are looking forward to working with Hammerson and First ScotRail on this project which will bring benefits to many.”