One of Britain's iconic railway stations – Clapham Junction – has been given a much-needed £14.5 million upgrade.

A new step-free entrance and nine new lifts were formally inaugurated at a ceremony in May.

The entrance, which has been out of use for over half a century, has been restored to provide an easier way into one of the world's busiest stations from St John's Hill.

The upgrade, which was funded by the Department for Transport, South West Trains, Wandsworth council, Transport for London, Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust, also includes new ticketing facilities, travel information screens and toilets in a refurbished ticket hall, together with new shops.

Outside the building a taxi and car pick-up and drop-off point has been created and cycle racks for up to 72 bikes installed. Funded through the government’s Access for All programme, the creation of the step-free route into the station and from the over-bridge to all platforms will make the station fully accessible for everyone, particularly those with reduced mobility, heavy luggage or young children.

Andy Pitt, managing director for South West Trains said: "With around 41 million journeys through the station every year, it's by far the biggest interchange station on the UK rail network, and the new entrance and lifts will help to ease congestion around the station and provide significantly improved access for our passengers."

Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “By giving people a new way into the station we will take the pressure off the main entrance by as much as 25 per cent and create more breathing space in the jam-packed subway tunnel.

"Anyone who travels though Clapham Junction will understand how important it is that the overcrowding problems are tackled and we will continue to work with the rail authorities to make sure conditions continue to improve.”

Railfuture's Peter Wakefield from Cambridge who passed through the station in June said: "Anybody who has thrust their way through the scurrying throngs of passengers changing trains at Clapham Junction will know how unpleasant the subway connecting the platforms and entrances can be.

"What a delight it was to come across the recently opened 'new' entrance. This uses a building that has lain out of use, unloved and forgotten for decades.

"The refurbished, beautifully restored entrance on to the west end footbridge, is itself now linked with new staircases and lifts to the platforms. A beautiful job... well done to all concerned.

"Out on the street the new entrance sits on top of the old parcels office, still graced by the logo of its former owner, the London, Brighton and South Coast railway.

"The McNulty Report suggests that the train operating companies could make up to £40 million a year by adding value to their passenger services by developing a modern day parcel carrying service. Maybe its time will come once more!."

Peter, who is chairman of Railfuture's freight committee, added: "Railfuture suggested such a premium parcels service to one rail operator, using the space in driving van trailers. It obviously went into the 'too difficult' box."