Belfast Transport Hub
Development of a new integrated transport hub at Great Victoria Street to replace existing bus and train stations on this site
Project Description
The Belfast Transport Hub, a £multi-million investment by the Department for Infrastructure, will be at the heart of an exciting new city neighbourhood called ‘Weavers Cross’ with imaginative mixed-use development proposals.
As a transport led regeneration project, it is a hugely important NI Executive Flagship Project and a key driver of economic growth and prosperity for Belfast & Northern Ireland.
Located on an 8-hectare site beside the current Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street Stations, it will be the main transport gateway to Belfast, creating a sense of arrival in a modern progressive city with rail, bus and coach connections to all parts of Northern Ireland and beyond.
Primary Objectives
The key strategic objectives that were contained within the Strategic Business Case (SBC) will be reviewed through the Outline Business Case process. The objectives included in the SBC are set out below:
- To deliver a fully integrated mainline train and inter-urban bus/ coach facility and city centre bus terminus, together with associated requirements for bus parking & fuelling/washing/servicing, administration facilities and amenities for users of other transport modes (taxis, cyclists, private car users, pedestrians)
- To deliver a new landmark public amenity that is fit for purpose, constructed to quality standards and harmonious with adjacent city centre development
- To create a long-term sustainable facility designed to cater for future growth in passenger numbers and accommodating the needs of other private sector operations
- To facilitate the simultaneous release of development land, to ensure that such development maximises the potential of the transport hub itself (synergistic development) and which, subject to all necessary approvals, maximises as far as possible the return on public investment and the long term sustainability of public transport in Northern Ireland
- To facilitate the wider rationalisation of NITHC/Translink’s operational and administrative properties in the greater Belfast area, with a view to identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and competitiveness, reduce the cost base and realise any assets rationalised through the design development process.
Project Status
- Planning permission for the main transport hub was granted in March 2019
- The enabling works contract encompassing site preparations was awarded to Graham Construction in November 2019 and is expected to take 18 months to complete
- Procurement of the main works contract has commenced and is expected to be awarded mid-2021
- Preparations are underway to procure a private sector development partner for the regeneration lands surrounding the main transport hub. This is known as the Weavers Cross project and is expected to come to the market in early 2021.
SIB Involvement
SIB is currently providing strategic and commercial advice to Translink. Expertise will be provided with regards to the development of a funding strategy, leveraging private sector involvement and assisting Translink in securing a return for both its financial and regeneration objectives.
SIB currently has representation on the Programme Board for the Belfast Transport Hub and the Project Board for Weavers Cross.
