Fresh pictures have been released of a controversial multi-million pound railway station as it prepares to open.

The new Thanet Parkway station in Cliffsend, near Ramsgate will open on July 31, promising journeys from Thanet to London in 70 minutes.

Developers have spent more than double the original budget for the station, the cost of which has exceeded £35 million.

But bosses say it will “improve rail connectivity between East Kent, London and the wider region”, and “boost the Kent economy by supporting connections to new housing and new business and job opportunities”.

There were fears passengers travelling from existing Thanet stations would face longer travel times due to the extra stop, but Network Rail says work is ongoing to upgrade level crossings to prevent this.

The facility, accessed via a new road from the A299 Hengist Way, features two 250-metre platforms that will be able to accommodate 12-carriage trains.

There is also a car park with close to 300 spaces, including 16 for Blue Badge holders and electric vehicle charging points, and customers will be offered free parking from the opening day for a limited time.

The station has now been added to Southeastern’s online journey planner and tickets for services to and from Thanet Parkway will be available to buy from Saturday, July 1.

Rail chiefs say the station will provide connections to a “wide range of leisure destinations” enabling customers to visit places such as Canterbury (17 minutes), Margate (15 minutes), Ashford International (32 minutes) and Broadstairs (10 minutes).

But opinion has been divided on the scheme, with some saying it is unnecessary and the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Campaigner Ian Driver previously branded the project "financially and logistically" out of control.

He added: "The answer to better transport to and from Thanet is not a £34.5 million, polluting and environmentally damaging station at Cliffsend, but investing money into improving our already existing station."

David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said: “It’s fantastic that Thanet Parkway will be opening next month, Kent’s first new station in eight years.

“The opening of this station is testament to the collaborative working relationship between our partners and Thanet Parkway will play a central role in helping boost the local economy and support tourism by providing connections to a wide range of leisure destinations.”

David Brazier, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added: “Thanet Parkway is a leading example of how organisations can work together to bring forward improvements for local communities.

“By coordinating towards the common goal of improving rail connectivity across eastern Kent, we all share the success of the prosperity that this station will bring to Thanet.

“This will help in our joint mission as a group of organisations to make Kent as a great place to live, work and visit.”