28 July 2012 Last updated at 06:38 ET

First phase of Derby railway station facelift completed

The city council said the new station will create a more welcoming entrance to Derby

The first part of a £2.2m project to modernise the entrance to Derby's railway station has been completed.

An improved taxi rank is due to open on Sunday along with a new short-stay car park near to the Hallmark Hotel.

Further improvements will see the main area being pedestrianised, a new bus interchange plus a shelter for almost 150 bikes.

The work is due to be finished by the end of November.

Derby City Council said work would be scaled back during the Olympics to minimise disruption to those travelling to the Games.

Leader of Derby City Council, Paul Bayliss, said: "I am delighted that we have reached the first milestone in this landmark project.

"The completion of the new taxi rank marks the first step in the redevelopment of the rail station forecourt which will bring huge benefits and create a more welcoming entrance to our city."