A £1 million project to improve York Station officially began today.

Work began on the huge job to modernise the station in a scheme commissioned by station managers GNER.

The work, which was launched by York MP Hugh Bayley, will see a major refurbishment of the travel centre - with the aim of transforming it into one of the most advanced on the rail network. The programme also includes the refurbishment of two passenger lounges on platforms three and seven/nine, refurbished toilet facilities on the two platforms and disabled toilet facilities on platforms eight/nine.

Passengers will benefit from new customer information screens, installation of CCTV cameras and further work on the subway and footbridge.

The new travel centre will aim to reflect modern retail standards - providing a total of nine ticket counters, on of which will be adaptable for wheelchair users.

GNER today said that all windows will offer full ticket flexibility, covering all types of fares regardless of date or time of travel.

The company is also providing six self-service Fastticket machines in the travel centre area to speed up the process of issuing tickets.

Christopher Garnett, GNER chief executive, said: "Today's announcement is a further sign of GNER's continuing commitment to improve facilities and services for our customers.

"We operate over 60 services a day to and from York carrying many thousands of passengers. I'm sure the planned programme of customer service improvements will be welcomed and further improve the overall travel experience when travelling with GNER."

Mr Bayley said: "I am really pleased to be able to signal the start of this important work at York station. "The works will really improve the station for all the people who use it regularly, and I hope they will make travelling by train even more attractive to others who do not."

The present travel centre will stay open until the refurbishment work is completed by the end of the year. While the work is under way passengers may experience some disruption and some areas of the travel centre will be closed.

The new facilities are part of GNER's £10 million station improvement programme to modernise facilities at key stations along the East Coast Main Line.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, August 16, 2004