A £1.5 million project to open up Bournemouth Travel Interchange and make it more welcoming for visitors will begin in the New Year, it has been confirmed.

Something that has long been seen as much-needed, the improvements aim to make the train station and bus and coach station next to it more accessible for the millions that use it every year.

Changes will be made to the layout for easier and more accessible bus, taxi and cycling facilities, as well as better signage. Further improvements will also be made to the train station’s facilities and canopy.

Members of the public are invited to view the plans at a two-day event taking place at the BU Executive Business Centre in Holdenhurst Road on Friday, November 7, 11am to 7pm, and Saturday, November 8, 10am to 4pm.

The work is part of the council’s Three Towns Travel programme and is in partnership with South West Trains.

It is due to start in January and will run until late summer.

Ian Kalra, head of transportation services at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “We are very pleased that by utilising additional government funding, and with investment through our partner South West Trains, we are able to make these improvements to one of Bournemouth’s key transport hubs.

“Millions of people travel through Bournemouth Travel Interchange every year, therefore it is important that we provide people with improved and more accessible facilities.”

He added: “The improvements at the Interchange will see significant changes to the layout, providing a better experience for those arriving by coach and train and who are also looking to travel elsewhere in the town.”

Cash for the work is coming from government grants, along with £400,000 from South West Trains, which is also funding the station works.

Malcolm Page, station property development manager for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, added: “The enhancements planned will make the station more welcoming for commuters and visitors alike. They include reducing the impact of the existing canopy to help create a lighter, brighter appearance and an extension to the booking hall to help reduce congestion.

“This investment will improve the experience for all of our passengers.”