Belfast Grand Central Station
| Current Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Key Contact |
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| Category | Physical Infrastructure |
Project Description
Development of a new integrated transport hub at Grosvenor Road to replace existing bus and rail stations. Belfast Grand Central Station opened in September 2024 as the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland.
Belfast Grand Central Station, a £multi-million investment by the Department for Infrastructure, is 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 off Great Victoria Street, it is now the main transport gateway to all parts of Northern Ireland and beyond. The impressive station building creates a sense of arrival in a modern progressive city with rail, bus and coach connections to the entire region.
A private sector development partner, MRP Ltd, was appointed in autumn 2023 to develop the land surrounding Belfast Grand Central Station. This new area is known as Weavers Cross is earmarked for investment in mixed used residential, commercial and leisure development.
Primary Objectives
The key strategic objectives that were contained within the Business Case included:
- 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
SIB is currently providing strategic and commercial advice to Translink. Expertise is provided with regards to the procurement and management of the master development agreement, completing the development land platform, leveraging private sector involvement and assisting Translink in securing a return for both its financial and regeneration objectives.
SIB currently has representation on both the Programme Board for the Belfast Transport Hub and the Project Board for Weavers Cross.
SIB Involvement
Belfast Grand Central Station opened in September 2024 including an integrated transport interchange comprising of large station concourse, 26 bus stands, 8 railway platforms, retail outlets, automated ticketing system, bus maintenance and parking, track and signalling enhancements and bus access bridge. The new facility has the potential to accommodate 20 million passenger journeys per year.
The remaining works are designed to integrate the station with the surrounding Weavers Cross development area and include completion of cycle and taxi provision, new public square, public realm improvements, pedestrian improvements and reconfiguring road layouts.
Outside there will be a new exciting public realm space, Saltwater Square, with a strong emphasis on arts and culture which has potential to become a focal point for everyone to use and enjoy.
The project has delivered significant Social Value activities to date in areas such as employment, training, education, diversity, inclusion, health, wellbeing and the environment.
The appointment of local developer, MRP Limited, as Translink’s development partner for Weavers Cross in Autumn 2023 marks an exciting beginning to securing private sector investment in the regeneration of the surrounding area.
