Birmingham's biggest railway station and newest shopping centre will open their doors to the public in the same week in September following a five-year £750 million redevelopment.

With completion of the major building project in sight, Network Rail, Grand Central shopping centre and flagship John Lewis department store have today confirmed the opening dates, meaning shoppers and rail travellers will be able to enjoy the new facilities in the busy run-up to Christmas.

The New Street Gateway Project, due to be unveiled on September 20, has been one of the most ambitious redevelopment schemes in the country which has seen vital rail services kept going throughout the construction work.

The new atrium will allow daylight to flood down to the wide station concourse, surrounded by many shops and restaurants.

Network Rail route director Martin Frobisher said: "I am really looking forward to opening the doors to our fantastic new station.

"In addition to a striking building in the heart of the city, passengers will experience a station with natural light, improved platform access, stunning architecture and better routes through the city.

"It has certainly been worth the wait and, in combination with Grand Central, creates a great first impression of Birmingham."

The shopping complex and John Lewis will open on September 24 and are expected to attract 50 million visitors a year and will employ about 1,000 people.

Grand Central development director Richard Brown said: "After years of hard work and collaboration with Birmingham City Council and other key partners, it's a pleasure to be able to announce the official opening date of Grand Central which has been eagerly awaited by people far and wide.

"We are making great progress with the development as we are entering into the final stages before nearing completion.

"There is still a lot to do but we are right on schedule with a real buzz on site as we are seeing the centre being brought to life."

New Street and Grand Central are among a series of major developments and £1 billion worth of investment coming through in the city centre this year which will deliver an estimated 30,000 jobs and economic growth.

There will be more than 60 shops and restaurants at the £150 million Grand Central, including the giant John Lewis store.

Lisa Williams, head of John Lewis Birmingham, said: "It is so exciting to be able to announce the opening date of our regional flagship shop.

"I can't wait to start welcoming customers through the doors to what will be our most innovative shop to date.

"We've been so grateful for the support from the community since we announced our plans to open the new shop, and we can't wait to bring the best John Lewis has to offer to Birmingham."

Council leader Sir Albert Bore said that New Street Gateway was a key development for the city centre and will be major driver of wider economic growth and jobs.

He said: "Grand Central will provide one of the best-connected shopping spaces in the country, helping to attract visitors to Birmingham.

"With its central location in the heart of the city, it will be a key element of Birmingham's ever improving retail and architectural landscape."

Having seen the development near to completion, Birmingham City Council put the Grand Central Shopping Centre on the market earlier this year.