Dundee City Council and Network Rail are in talks over plans for a radical redevelopment of the frontage of Dundee station.
A new shopping mall, which will include a cafe and retail units, is among the proposals for the area around front of the much-criticised building.
The city council confirmed last year that it had drawn up a publicly-funded “vision” for a radical redesign of the station, and Thursday’s statements by both the council and Network Rail confirm the project has moved forward.
A spokesman for the city council said, “It is hoped that we will be able to include a retail element in any revamp of Dundee station.
“At this early stage we are still in discussions with our partners about the details.”
A Network Rail spokesman said, “Dundee City Council is currently working up plans for the redevelopment of the roads and bridge layout near the station.
“It has also been examining the potential for a new retail area, in front of the station. Network Rail is liaising with the council on those proposals.”
The news will be welcomed by campaigners who have long argued that there is limited provision for disabled commuters at the station and changes will need to be made if the site is to cope with visitors flocking to the proposed Victoria and Albert museum.
Local politicians insisted the building, which is only a few hundred feet from the waterfront site chosen for the museum, must have a multi-million pound facelift to ensure it provides an attractive welcome to the city.
Previously the station’s owner Network Rail insisted the station’s budget simply cannot stretch to funding cosmetic changes.