PLANS for a �9m upgrade of Hatfield rail station have been approved.

An application by Network Rail to create a new 378 space multi-story car park, bus interchange, pedestrian footbridge and additional floorspace for three retail units was agreed last week.

The work, which will see the current car park at the Great North Road station close for an 12 months, is set to begin before the end of the year.

Rail operator First Capital Connect plans to build a temporary car park on the south side of the station while the work takes place, with other commuters moved to a car park in WGC, and any difference in rate or ticket price covered by the company.

A spokeswoman for First Capital Connect said: “The project is on time and the next step is the production of the detailed design.

“We expect that work on site could start in the next few months and are delighted that customers will soon benefit from the planned improvements as presented at the public consultation in the summer.”

Of the �9m, two thirds were pledged by Network Rail, through a bid for funding from First Capital Connect, Hertfordshire County Council and Gascoyne Cecil Estates, which manages the adjacent Hatfield House and is making improvements to Old Hatfield.

An additional �3m was secured by Network Rail and the county council.