Passengers have complained the station looks very unwelcoming to visitors to the city and want the work, which began a year ago, to end as soon as possible.

Network Rail, which leases the station to Midland Mainline, said work was needed to replace the site's canopy.

Improvements such as new buildings and better lighting will also go ahead.

Safety first

Ben Herbert from Network Rail said passenger safety was of the utmost importance.

"When we replaced the footbridge at the station, we found there was extensive corrosion to the canopy over the station and the best solution is to replace the whole thing.

"What you're seeing now is a pretty major rebuilding project at one of East Midlands' busiest stations and what we didn't want to do was close the station.

"There's a delicate balance between rebuilding a really high-class station and keeping the service running in the meantime," he said.