Commuters using Coventry railway station will be cheered by the news that the building is to be given a major re-vamp by owners Railtrack.

Work will start almost immediately on the £1 million renovation of the station, which was designed by well known Coventry architect Sir Donald Gibson and built in the early 1960’s.

The grade II listed building has had very little repair work done on it since its opening and has reached a sorry state including leaking roofs and poor lighting.

There will also be an involvement by the Railway Heritage Trust who are spending around £20,000 to remove the existing ticket collectors box and install 60’s style lighting in keeping with the building.

However, a Railtrack spokesman has warned Coventry railway users that although the work is essential, it may not be easy to notice what has been done.

He said:

"When people hear that it is a £1 million development they expect to see miraculous things happening but really the money is being spent on essentials like a whole new roof for the station.

"Although I suppose if you are used to standing on the platform with rain dripping round your feet then you certainly will notice the difference.

"We will be starting the work in September and are hoping that it will be completely finished in January or February next year."

Despite this admission Railtrack has revealed that they are looking into a further scheme in late 2000 which will be far more noticable.

Their spokeman said:

"The second phase would involve cleaning up all of the brickwork and looking at some of the interior design of the station so that would have a lot more impact.

"But before you do anything like that you have to make sure the essentials are done and they are the things that often cost the most."