THE revamp of Kidderminster railway station has moved a step closer after council chiefs announced the remaining funding required had been secured.

Government officials announced a provisional allocation of £1.8m to Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, as part of the Local Growth Deal Expansion Fund, which will go towards the redevelopment of the station.

The overall project is estimated to cost around £4.3m and this latest funding is in addition to the £2.5m that was allocated to Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership in July last year.

Kidderminster Railway Station’s redevelopment is a key part of the Wyre Forest District Council-led ReWyre initiative which is aimed at transforming the area.

The aim of the project is to improve transport links and provide better connectivity to and from Worcester and Birmingham.

Further enhancements include a new station building, improvements to the bus terminal and traffic signals, heritage works and environmental works.

Wyre Forest District Council welcomed the news and said the improvements to the busy station will make it easier for more people to use it.

Councillor John Campion, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said: “This announcement of additional funding by the government reiterates the importance of this project. “Since the inception of the ReWyre initiative, connecting our district to key networks and towns and cities has always been one of our top priorities. “The station is an important gateway to the town and we will continue to work with partners to ensure that the redevelopment goes ahead as soon as possible. We welcome this funding to help us create another positive development for the district.”

Councillor Jamie Shaw, Member Champion for Connectivity, said: “This is another really positive step forward in making Wyre Forest more connected. “This will help us create a district which is more attractive to invest in and also bring about an environment where people want to visit and live.”

Planning bosses at Worcestershire County Council granted planning permission for the redevelopment in 2010 and this was renewed in 2013.