A long-awaited upgrade of Deptford station was finally launched this week.

Lewisham Deptford MP Joan Ruddock joined Network Rail and deputy mayor of Lewisham councillor Alan Smith last Tuesday to announce the start of  work.

Ms Ruddock said: “This is a very happy day for me. After years of complaints from residents I set up a Deptford Station round-table to bring all the rail operators, developers and council together.

“After a decade of campaigning it’s happening at last. Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved.”

The upgrade includes a new station building, an accessible ticket office and improved passenger information.  It also includes two new lifts, an extension of the canopies along both platforms and a refurbished of the existing stairs.

Smith said: “The new railway station is a key element in our plans for Deptford’s regeneration. The idea is not only to update and upgrade the station for the benefit of local residents and businesses but also to create an excellent first impression for people visiting this increasingly attractive part of the borough.

“We plan to install lifts, glass facades, improve lighting and extend canopies to provide better protection from the weather.

“The station will lead onto a new public space created on the site of the currently-derelict station yard off Deptford High Street.

“This will allow access to the Victorian railway arches which will be converted to provide studio space for local artists.”

The project has been funded by £3.8m from Lewisham Council and a further £2m from the national stations improvement programme.

Developer VolkerFitzpatrick says the station will remain open to passengers throughout construction, which is expected to be complete by next spring.