Commuters were treated to a medley of musical numbers to celebrate the completion of the Epsom station redevelopment.

The £20m development, which has revamped the station’s ticket hall, facade, car park, waiting shelters, toilets and cycle storage, was carried out by Network Rail and developer Kier, in partnership with Solum Regeneration.

Its new shops, hotel and apartments, which include some affordable housing units, have funded the development.  

Representatives of the companies joined station staff, commuters, and Epsom and Ewell mayor Councillor Colin Taylor, for the celebration on Tuesday afternoon, which included performances by Rosebery School and Laine Theatre Arts.

Simon Rutter, a director at Solum, said no official ‘ribbon cutting’ was organised for the station because "it was a building which was open and being used by people" throughout its construction.

He said the company is "very proud" of the end product, despite "some ups and downs" and has learnt some lessons for the future.

Of the controversial ‘faces of Epsom’ on the station’s exterior, he said: "The art that we’ve ended up with is in keeping of the character with the building. 

"It’s a modern building, it doesn’t pretend to be a market town building. 

"We were concerned we would have a pastiche of the past on a very modern building and that wouldn’t have worked."

He said no artwork is planned for the bare-looking ticket hall as it was "meant to feel light and airy not clogged up with things on the wall".

David Biggs, a director at Network Rail and Solum, said he believes the changes will "transform the journey experience" for travellers.

Responding to criticism that facilities on the platforms had not been upgraded as part of the development, he said: "The platforms were in very good condition and have got a nice character and feel about them. 

"We don’t try to get rid of the heritage of a station."

The mayor said it "is no secret that not everybody likes what has been done", but believes the development should be embraced.

He added: "It’s here.  It’s finished.  Let’s find the best way of benefitting from what has been achieved.

"All that remains is to move it into Zone 6."