Network Rail says a £5 million investment in Peckham Rye station will transform the building and support regeneration in the surrounding area.

The infrastructure manager added that passengers could look forward to a “brighter and easier to use station” thanks to the investment.

The Department for Transport has committed nearly £4m to the improvements, with Southwark Council and The Railway Heritage Trust contributing over £1m more.

Over the next 18 months, the investment will deliver a range of improvements, making the station easier to use, reducing crowding at busy times, and restoring its historic character. Network Rail said the works would also help to create a welcoming gateway to Peckham Rye Station Square, a new civic space being developed by Southwark Council.

It added that these works would deliver immediate benefits for passengers and protect planning consents for future improvements at the station.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, said: “We look forward to delivering this investment to give passengers a brighter and less crowded station, ahead of the proposed major upgrade that we still hope to secure funding for in the future.

“These short-term changes will make a real difference to people’s journeys and ensure the station is part of Peckham’s regeneration story for years to come”.

Lord Hendy, Rail Minister said: “I’m pleased that nearly £4m of Government funding is being invested to make journeys through Peckham Rye simpler and more convenient for passengers.

“Over the coming months, commuters will see real improvements to their daily travel, supporting Peckham’s future and benefitting the wider local community”.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Southern and Thameslink, said: “Peckham Rye is one of our busiest stations with more than seven million passengers passing through each year.

“This significant investment will relieve congestion and create a much more pleasant station environment which, taken together, will make a real difference to passengers and the wider community.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said: “The new £5m investment into Peckham Rye Station will be transformational in delivering major improvements to the station and making it a better place for residents and commuters. We welcome the significant investment the Department for Transport has committed to making this happen.

“We know there will still be more work to be done in making accessibility improvements to the station and we will keep making the case for further investment, but this is a great step in giving the people in the Peckham area the infrastructure they deserve.”