Work on a four-year project to build a new multi-modal transport hub in Belfast to replace existing bus and rail stations has commenced
Northern Irish Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that the main works on the Northern Ireland Executive’s flagship Belfast Transport Hub project are set to commence. The enabling works, delivered by Graham, are nearing completion, railway system works, delivered by Babcock, are underway and main works will be delivered by a joint venture of local construction company Farrans and global group Sacyr.
The new multi-modal transport hub will replace the existing Europa and Great Victoria Street bus and rail stations. It will provide greater capacity with an increase to 26 bus stands, eight railway platforms, enhanced walking and cycling connectivity, along with greater comfort and accessibility which it is hoped will encourage a move towards green and active travel. The Weavers Cross development delivered as part of the project is expected to regenerate the lands around the transport hub and facilitate economic growth and urban regeneration.
During a site visit, the Minister said: “I welcome this latest exciting milestone for the ambitious Belfast Transport Hub project which is an economic, social and environmental game changer for Northern Ireland. I have been clear that we need to see an increase in the use of public transport and encourage more people to consider active travel options so that we can tackle the climate crisis. To achieve that we need to have the right infrastructure in place.
“When completed the Belfast Transport Hub will be the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland bringing together many aspects of how we travel including greener and cleaner travel by bus, rail and cycling. In addition users of the new hub will enjoy modern spacious facilities inside with a large concourse and enhanced retail space. With an expected annual footfall of over 20 million, this important NI Executive flagship project will bring a host of benefits to support the economy. It will improve connectivity for everyone in Northern Ireland and beyond, and will be a key driver of social, economic and environmental wellbeing for the local and wider community. I also welcome the social value element of the contract with Translink and contractors working closely with stakeholders to provide employment and training opportunities.
“This project will therefore bring both immediate and long-term benefits for the entire region. I look forward to commencement of the main works and wish all our
partners every success as we jointly deliver this key scheme for Northern Ireland.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, explained the benefits the Transport Hub will bring to Northern Ireland: “This is the next progressive step in our journey to transform public transport, and we are looking forward to getting the main works underway. This hugely important project will deliver an impressive integrated transport facility delivering top-class customer experience including enhanced cross border connectivity. It will be a major transport gateway for Northern Ireland, creating a sense of arrival for a modern, progressive region. We expect construction on the new facility to take around four years to complete. During this time over 500 jobs will be created, and the scheme overall will be a major boost to the construction and engineering sector in Northern Ireland.”
