Balfour Beatty has won the contract for the fit-out of the Woolwich Crossrail station, it was today announced.

The £70 million contract also covers the fitting of two portals at north Woolwich and Plumstead at either end of the Thames Tunnel where the Crossrail trains will surface.

The new station will open in 2018 after work begins later this month.

The result will be up to 12 trains an hour linking Woolwich with Canary Wharf, central London and Heathrow.

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: “Crossrail will help to transform Woolwich, supporting regeneration, reducing journey times and creating new transport links for local people.

“From 2018, up to 12 services an hour will allow passengers to travel to Canary Wharf, the city and the West End without having to change trains.”

The contract also includes commitments to provide around 18 apprenticeships and job opportunities for Londoners, including those who are long-term unemployed or who have been out of education or training for six months or more.

Residents will benefit from brand new trains taking them right into the centre of the capital without having to change trains with a journey from Woolwich to Bond Street being 15 minutes quicker.