Abbey Wood’s new rail station has opened as part of the preparation for the arrival of Crossrail next year.

The new station, which officially opened on October 23 has been compared to a “big Swiss cottage” due to its wooden arched ceiling.

Abbey Wood’s Crossrail station is the first to open on the new Elizabeth line, expected to be fully open in December 2018.

Once open the Elizabeth line will run trains from Abbey Wood to Canary Wharf, Bond Street, Paddington and Heathrow.

Work will continue on the station’s full facilities, such as a new lifts and installation of systems required for the Elizabeth line.

Ben Wheeldon, Crossrail programme director at Network Rail, said: “After 4 years of construction, we are extremely proud of this achievement and the immediate benefits the new station building will bring to the local community.”

Cllr Denise Hyland, leader of Greenwich Council, said: “The opening of the new Abbey Wood station and the planning and thought that has gone into the design is fantastic to see.

“I have no doubt that travellers using the station will find it a most welcome addition to complement all the other improvements being made here locally.

“With the new Elizabeth line coming here next year, the new station and this additional transport infrastructure helps make Abbey Wood an even more desirable location for people to want to come and settle in.”

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, leader of Bexley Council, said: “The opening of the new station in Abbey Wood is really good news for all of Bexley’s residents and businesses and is an important step forward in our plans to improve transport connections and services in the borough.”