A new destination and gateway to the city of Belfast has been showcased to investors and developers
Translink has hosted a virtual Developer Market Day to showcase Weavers Cross, its new transport-led regeneration project with the new integrated Belfast Transport Hub, alongside the current Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street station, at its centre.
Translink said that the £380m investment opportunity will provide investors with the unique opportunity to transform and regenerate a brownfield site to create a new destination and gateway to the city of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
The virtual event was attended by around 150 interested parties, supported by Belfast City Council and the Department for International Trade, there to hear more about this prospect to help bring about a new city neighbourhood.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “Today has been a further milestone in this significant multi-million pound project for the city. Work is already underway on our new integrated transport hub, which will be at the core of this development, acting as a powerful engine for energy and growth, connecting people from all over the island and providing a gateway to all major airports and beyond.
“Today we have been very encouraged with the level of interest and recognition of how this transformational scheme will positively impact on the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of everyone, ensuring we have the right sustainable infrastructure in place to build back responsibly from Covid-19.
“Located in an excellent location, Weavers Cross seeks to develop 1.3+ million square feet of mixed-use space, within a few minutes’ walk of the commercial, retail and hospitality centre of Northern Ireland’s capital city as well as being adjacent to some of the city’s key universities, hospitals and tourist attractions and with direct rail and bus links throughout the island.’’
Adam White, CBRE, said: “The site offers an unrivalled opportunity for experienced developers to deliver a mixed-use landmark scheme to create a major impact in terms of urban regeneration and wider city transformation.
“With a global perspective and exceptional economic strengths, Belfast has developed into one of Ireland’s premier business cities with the largest employed population in the region. More recently, Belfast has been extremely successful in attracting foreign direct investment underpinned by its competitive operating costs and advanced telecoms infrastructure and highly skilled and educated employment base.”
Weavers Cross is the new name given to the neighbourhood around the new facility, a name which Translink said draws on the area’s industrial heritage and geography, the area once having been a key part of Belfast’s linen industry.
