Local residents were generally opposed to the plan as the SER's lines did not go in the direction that they wanted, and the city was not central to the company's overall aims.

[5][6] A special excursion train ran on the opening date, but was delayed owing to a breakdown at Tonbridge.

[11] In October 1878, the SER appealed to the LCDR that they should find a way of integrating the city's two stations, or providing a joint one somewhere else.

Following the Southern Region Kent Coast Electrification Scheme, Phase 2 electric services started on 18 June 1962.

Funded by the Department for Transport's Access for All Scheme, the main change was the construction of a new footbridge allowing a step-free route between the station entrance and both platforms using two lifts.

Other improvements include new tactile paving along the edge of the platform, new toilet facilities, new customer information screens and lighting, the redecoration of the ticket office and changes to the car park layout.

A proposal for a Canterbury Parkway station, at the place the two lines cross, has been intermittently suggested since the 1980s.

In 2018, local MP Rosie Duffield suggested the new station would be a better alternative to a new multi-story car park for Canterbury West, which opened in June 2020.

There is a recessed part of the building in the centre with two Doric order fluted columns and pilasters; this is flanked by two storeys and three windows either side.

[20] Platform 1 houses the main ticket office – there are two counters and three self-service machines, plus a cafe and public toilets.