The transformation of one of Tottenham’s oldest rail stations into a landmark spacious building with a striking copper-coloured steel facade will get underway next year after plans were approved by Haringey Council. Bruce Grove Station, on Tottenham High Road, will be extended with new space for a café or restaurant after Network Rail proposals were given the green light by the council’s Planning Committee.

The elegant glass structure will be clad with bespoke weathered steel that will change texture over time, and a raised roof that will connect the Victorian station, which first opened in 1872, to the high street – with the beautiful railway arches visible from inside and outside the building.

Residents who took part in the council’s five-month Tottenham’s Future consultation last year said they would like to see new, high-quality places to eat and drink in Bruce Grove as part of regeneration work.

The current forecourt area in front of the station, which is set back from the High Road, has been plagued by illegal street trading and fly-tipping, as well as narrow footpaths on the street causing overcrowding near bus stops.

The new station design by architects Landolt + Brown in collaboration with artist Wendy Hardie – which was praised by the independent Haringey Quality Review Panel – will create wider pavements and upgrade public space to make the area more welcoming for visitors.

Cllr Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

“I’m excited to see this stunning new building move a step closer, bringing some striking modern architecture to Tottenham.

“Residents have been clear that they want to see better places to eat and drink on the High Road, and this impressive new space could be home to a high-quality business – as well as giving passengers the station entrance they deserve.”

The station’s upgrade is the latest in a string of improvements to the area, with more than 20 shops receiving colourful new designs during the summer, new public art on display and plans for the refurbishment of nearby Holcombe Road Market approved last month.

Train services to central London, Cheshunt and Enfield Town from Bruce Grove were transferred to London Overground earlier this year, with Transport for London bringing more staff, new ticket machines and eventually new trains to stations along the line.

Mike Stubbs, Director of London Overground said:

“This is great news for the station, we have already undertaken a deep clean and provided new signs and further work will include repainting, new benches and security systems which will complement the new station entrance making it a much better experience for our customers.”

Tottenham’s transport revolution is gathering pace, with Tottenham Hale’s bus, rail and Tube station being completely overhauled by 2017, plans to quadruple the frequency of trains to Stratford and a possible three Crossrail 2 stations heading for the area – making Tottenham one of London’s best connected places.

Marcus Jones, area manager at Network Rail, said:

"This is great news for people in the area and is part of our Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a better railway for passengers in and around London.

"These plans will provide a better entrance to the station, more space, and improved retail facilities for passengers who use this station."