A temporary train station operated by Southeastern has opened in Kidbrooke in preparation for a larger improved facility due to open in 2018.

The station is situated east of the previous Station Approach location, with car parking facilities closing tomorrow (October 27), and will be used for routes via Lewisham into central London and to Bexleyheath, Dartford and Slade Green.

The previous station closed October 18 however pedestrian access will still be available from the north side via Henley Cross.

Car users wishing to drop off or collect passengers will be able to do so at the interim station on Tudway Road.

Construction of the permanent Kidbrooke rail station will begin in March 2015 as part of Berkley Homes’ proposals for the Village Centre.

Berkley Homes’ divisional managing director Karl Whiteman said: “As connectivity is a crucial part of where anyone chooses to live, we have invested significantly in maximising the transport facilities available to the growing community in Kidbrooke. “A new railway station, an improved bus interchange, reinstated bus routes and better pedestrian connections mean travelling to neighbouring areas like Blackheath as well as central London couldn’t be easier.”

Once completed, the fully accessible, step-free station will have modern customer facilities to better accommodate passenger demand.

There will be no disruption to services while work takes place.