Rail passengers of the future are getting a glimpse right now of a vision for Hayes and Harlington station.

New images released by Crossrail today (Monday, December 22) show a light and airy, glass and steel building with steps, lifts, waiting areas and a coffee shop.

The artist’s impressions coincide with Crossrail’s application to Hillingdon Council for planning permission for the station.

The Transport for London-owned company says the distinctive new glass and steel structure is intended to create a landmark that will be much more visible and prominent than the existing station.

A bright, spacious ticket hall will provide a more welcoming environment and a range of other improvements will be made to the station, including a new footbridge with four new lifts to provide step free access to every platform, a new waiting room for platforms four and five and new lighting, customer information screens, station signage, help points and CCTV.

The building, designed by Bennetts Associates, will be situated immediately to the north of the present station and will replace a commercial property.

Crossrail will start serving Hayes and Harlington in 2018.

Matthew White, Crossrail’s surface director said: “Our proposals are for a modern, prominent building that properly reflects the importance of the station to the area.

“A bright, spacious ticket hall and other major upgrades will make using the station a much better experience for the thousands of people who pass through every day.”

Julian Lipscombe, director of Bennetts Associates said: “Our design is intended to create an elegant new focal point and regeneration catalyst.

“The signature projecting roof not only establishes a civic presence but also draws all directions of approach together into a legible and uplifting route through the glazed ticket hall to the platforms beyond.”

When Crossrail fully opens in 2019, up to 10 services per hour in each direction will serve Hayes and Harlington, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains.

The journey to Bond Street will take 20 minutes and passengers will be able to reach Canary Wharf in 34 minutes.

Crossrail has been working with the council on proposals for improvements to the area around the station, including a new public space in Station Approach and improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the station through better pedestrian crossings, continuous cycle lanes, tree planting and safer junctions.