A BUS station is to be given £11m by the Government to invest in new facilities.

The facelift for Newcastle's Eldon Square bus station will improve access, security and create a more user-friendly environment for passengers.

Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins announced the funding yesterday.

She said: "This is good news for the people of Newcastle.

"The new bus station facilities to be provided as part of the redevelopment of the Eldon Square shopping complex are an excellent example of how we can work in partnership with the private sector to secure lasting benefits."

The redevelopment will see facilities moved from underground to street level on Prudhoe Street. There will also be work on pedestrian routes and access to car parks on adjacent streets.

The area vacated by the buses will be used by stores such as John Lewis and Boots.

The director of Metro operator Nexus, Mike Parker, welcomed the news.

He said: "Eldon Square is in desperate need of improvement and is a real blemish on the public transport map.

"We're delighted that the Government have agreed to substantially invest in the future of Eldon Square and we are confident that the enhancement to passenger facilities will assist us in persuading people to make the switch to high quality public transport."