Two-thirds of the concourse at London Bridge station was opened this week, just in time for commuters returning to work after the late August bank holiday.

A major redevelopment of Britain’s fourth busiest railway station, which is used by 56 million passengers a year, began in 2012 and isn’t expected to be ready until January 2018.

However, once complete, the station will boast a concourse as big as the pitch at Wembley Stadium, with improved connections for passengers and better options to more destinations including Cambridge and Peterborough.

The upgrade programme also includes the introduction of modern trains to provide more reliable journeys for passengers, and the laying of new track, which will untangle track on the station approach in a bid to reduce the amount of time trains spend sat at the platform.

London Bridge’s revamped concourse is set to feature more than 80 retail units too, with a number of them set aside for local start-up businesses.

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said they were “essentially rebuilding” the station and deemed the majority of the concourse opening as a “major milestone” in its redevelopment.

“This is a big step towards the bigger, better railway passengers deserve. While there is plenty still to do, I am pleased passengers can now see the benefits beginning to come through,” he added.