Belfast Grand Central station

Rail and bus station in Belfast

For the railway station formerly known as "Belfast Central", see Lanyon Place railway station.

For the hotel in Belfast with a similar name, see Grand Central Hotel Belfast.

Belfast Grand Central

Translink rail and bus station

The station at the Grosvenor Road at soft opening, 8 September 2024

General information
Other names| Belfast Transport Hub
Location| Weavers Cross,
Belfast,
County Antrim,
Northern Ireland
Owned by| Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company[1]
Operated by| Translink
Platforms| 8
Train operators| NI Railways
Iarnród Éireann (On cross border services) [2]
Bus routes|

* X1
* X2
* X212
* 13
* 13a
* 209
* 209b
* 212
* 238
* 238b
* 250
* 250b
* 251
* 251a
* 251b
* 251c
* 270
* 271
* 273
* 300
* 300a
* 513
* 651

Bus stands| 26
Bus operators|

* Goldline
* Ulsterbus
* Metro
* Eamonn Rooney
* Hannon Coach

Construction
Structure type| At-grade
Bicycle facilities| 300 cycle parking spaces[2]
Accessible| Yes[2]
Architect| John McAslan + Partners [3]
Other information
Fare zone| 1 [4]
Key dates
2019| Construction started
8 Sept 2024| Soft Opening Bus Services start
Autumn 2024| Official Opening

Location

Belfast Grand Central

Location in the Northern Ireland

Show map of Northern Ireland

Belfast Grand Central

Location on the island of Ireland

Show map of island of Ireland

Located to the east of Belfast City Hall

Belfast Grand Central station (originally the Belfast Transport Hub[5]) is a railway and bus station in the city centre of Belfast, Northern Ireland. It has replaced Great Victoria Street railway station and the Europa Buscentre.[6][7] It is built next to its predecessors, in a new neighbourhood called Weaver's Cross.[8] The first bus service, to Dublin, departed from the station on 8 September 2024.[9] Rail services are due to commence in October 2024[10], several months after the old railway station closed on 10 May 2024.[11]

## Context

[edit]

The first railway station in Ulster was opened on the site of the former Great Victoria Street station in 1839. It became the northern terminus of the GNR's non-stop Dublin–Belfast express in 1947, and in 1962, having been taken over by the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA), platform 5 was closed, filled in, and turned into a bus station providing a truly integrated bus-rail station for the first time in Belfast's history.[12] Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) closed the railway part of the station altogether in 1976 and the original buildings disappeared beneath the Europa Hotel and Great Northern Mall. Railway services resumed, however, in 1995 with the opening of the present-day Great Victoria Street station, integrated with the Europa Buscentre, yards away from the site of the original 1839 station.[13]

Belfast Grand Central Station is not built on strictly the same site as the former Great Victoria Street Station, instead being in the corner of the Grosvenor Road and Durham Street, occupying an 8-hectare (20-acre) site. Historically this area was occupied by the railway goods yard, until goods traffic ended in 1976, and at present is partly used as the bus depot.[14]

Belfast Grand Central Station thus fits into a history of bus-rail integration linked to the Great Victoria Street area that goes back to 1962, save for a 19-year interruption between 1976 and 1995.

* The original Great Victoria Street railway station.

* Interior of the original Great Victoria Street Station.

* The west wing outlasted the rest of the original building.

* An Enterprise service departs the original railway station on its last day.

* The station continued to be served by buses after the railway left in 1976

* An Ulsterbus coach departing the station in July 1976

* The 'new' railway station, which opened in 1995, under construction.

* Great Victoria Street as of 2016.

* The Europa Buscentre in 2011.

## Station location and facilities

[edit]

The station is located on a 8-hectare (860,000 sq ft) site owned by Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company between the current Europa Buscentre and Belfast Great Victoria Street railway station,[2] both of which it replaces.[8] The station's capacity is designed to cater for twenty million passenger journeys annually, more than the 12 million combined capacity of the pre-existing bus and railway station.[8] In addition to rail and bus improvements, the station also has cycle and taxi provision for enhanced connectivity, with 300 cycle parking spaces.[15][16]It is said to be the "largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland".[15] During construction the transport hub was described as the Northern Ireland Executive's "flagship project".[16]

### Railway station

[edit]

The new station will have eight platforms[7] (double that of Great Victoria Street and Belfast Lanyon Place), composed of four island platforms with two faces each. Two of these islands are short and two long.[14] Like the former Great Victoria Street, it will be the terminus of Northern Ireland Railways' Derry, Larne, Bangor and Newry lines. This also means that the Portadown to Bangor route will no longer have direct through traffic and will be divided into two separate lines. The Enterprise express service to Dublin will be moved from Lanyon Place as part of the project, meaning the flagship express service between Belfast and Dublin will terminate here.[17] Unlike at Lanyon Place, there is due to be a dedicated Enterprise lounge.[citation needed]

### Bus station

[edit]

A look towards the bus stands within Belfast Grand Central Station on opening day 2024

The bus station features 26 stands, eight more than the previous Europa Bus Centre. Seating is available throughout, with priority seating at select stands. The station also offers a range of amenities, including ATMs, vending machines, automated ticket machines, a help desk, a water refill station, and a sensory pod. There are accessible male and female restrooms, as well as Changing Places facilities. Currently, stands 23-26 are not in use. Upcoming departures are displayed on boards above each bus stand. There is currently no dedicated lounge for Goldline passengers.

### Weaver's Cross

[edit]

The area surrounding the hub will become a new neighbourhood which Translink has named 'Weaver's Cross'.[18] This 100,000 m2 site is planned to comprise leisure, residential and commercial facilities.[19][20] Some of the proposals for the neighbourhood were described as "bleak" due to the plan's use of tall buildings and little space in between, with Belfast's Orange Order being among the objectors.[21]

### Station Quarter

[edit]

Weaver's Cross, combined with the station and a rejuvenated Glengall Street, Hope Street and Durham Street, will become Station Quarter, Belfast's ninth Cultural Quarter.[22]

## Progress

[edit]

By February 2021, the first stage of enabling works was completed by construction contractor company Graham,[23][24] clearing the 8-hectare (860,000 sq ft) for construction.[25] The next stage of development from February 2021, involves the relocating of bus engineering and operation facilities to new accommodation, and the construction of a new bus wash facility, engineering garage, storage facilities and a bus parking area.[25] The Main Works and Infrastructure enhancement phases of the project are expected to be conducted in 2022.[25] The project was due for completion in 2024/2025.[8][25] The project was said to potentially create 400 jobs over a five-year period.[26]

The main works of the project would be delivered by a joint venture of Farrans and Sacyr, with railway system works by Babcock.[27] Translink promotes the project using the local expression "It's Grand".[7]

The Busway Bridge was completed in August 2023.[28]

In April 2024, it was announced that Great Victoria Street station would close permanently on 10 May, several months before the new Grand Central station opens in autumn 2024. In July and August, the whole railway line between Lanyon Place and Lisburn are to be closed while the tracks are linked to the new station.[29]

On 29 May 2024, the first "The Grand Connection Roadshow" was held at Lanyon Place Train Station to communicate their "grand plans" for the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland. The roadshow toured various locations throughout Northern Ireland, including shopping centers and train and bus stations. These events also distributed exclusive Belfast Grand Central merchandise.[30]

On 3 July 2024, Translink closed the rail line between Lisburn and Belfast Lanyon Place to facilitate the Grand Central enabling works scheduled for the summer. All stations between these two points were closed, with a temporary shuttle service running between Portadown and Lisburn. Enterprise passengers traveling to/from Belfast took a bus to/from Newry train station.[31]

On 8 July 2024, Translink launched a video series across all its social media channels titled "The Grand Connection: Behind the Scenes at Belfast Grand Central Station." These videos showcase the progress made since the closure of Great Victoria Street station in May and highlight how stakeholders and interest groups contributed to the station's development. To date there have been 11 of these videos posted[32]

On 9 August 2024, Translink announced "The GRAND Pianist," a competition to find pianists for a GRAND performance at the opening of Belfast Grand Central Station. The competition's piano will make five stops across Northern Ireland: Newry Bus Station, the Northwest Transport Hub (Derry~Londonderry) and the railway stations at Lanyon Place, Bangor, and Coleraine. The regional heats will take place throughout August and September 2024.[33]

On 13 August 2024, the first trains began arriving at the station for driver training runs. DMU 4001 was observed operating these runs between Belfast Lanyon Place and Belfast Grand Central and Adelaide Depot.[34][35]

On 19 August 2024, Translink announced that bus operations at Belfast Grand Central will commence on Sunday, 8 September, 2024. The final day of operations at the Europa Buscentre will be Saturday, 7 September, 2024. This will be a semi-soft opening as the start date for rail operations has not yet been announced. Translink stated, "We are excited to offer a 'grand' welcome to visitors and passengers and want to thank everyone for their patience and support. We know there has been much interest and anticipation in the new facility, which is set to help unlock the true potential of our region as a great place to live, work, and visit."[36][37]

On 4 September 2024, Translink invited the press for a final preview of Grand Central Station before its official opening. They also announced that the station's first departure would the X1 Goldline bus service to Dublin Busáras via Sprucefield Shopping Centre (Lisburn), Kenlis Street (Banbridge), Newry Bus Station and Dublin Airport, scheduled for 8 September 2024 at 05:00 UTC+1.[38][39] When asked about the station's readiness for the Sunday opening, station manager Louise Doyle compared it to "a baby about to take its first steps." However, the day was also marked by criticism over the absence of Irish language signage.[40][41][42]

On 8 September 2024, Belfast Grand Central welcomed its first passengers, with services to Dublin Busáras via Dublin Airport and Belfast International Airport. According to BBC Northern Ireland, Amir Kumat was the first passenger to enter the station, heading for Belfast International Airport. Translink's CEO Chris Conway commented on the opening, describing it as a "fantastic" start with no major issues reported. Additionally, the Europa Buscentre has now been converted into a walk through corridor, connecting Belfast Grand Central to Great Victoria Street.[43][44][45]

On 23 September 2024, the cross-border Enterprise service began trial runs at the new station, where it will relocate from Belfast Lanyon Place.[46]

On 3 October 2024, Translink announced that train services at Belfast Grand Central Station would commence on 13 October 2024. This marks the reopening of the Belfast to Lisburn Line, and rail replacement buses will no longer operate after this date. They also announced that the bi-hourly Enterprise service will continue until 27 October, after which an hourly service will begin. Tickets to Belfast Grand Central from the Republic of Ireland can be purchased on Irish Rail's website, but those living in Northern Ireland will need to wait until 7 October for the Translink Journey Planner to be updated.[47][48][49]

### Controversies

[edit]

Some issues with the scheme have arisen, including:

* The demolition of the Boyne Bridge, which has particularly upset the residents of Sandy Row.[50][51] In a June 2022 meeting, a majority of the 120 objections to the Weaver's Cross redevelopment plan concerned the removal of the bridge.[21]
* The lack of integration with the new Glider rapid transport system, criticised as a missed opportunity for the transport hub nature of Grand Central.[52]
* The replacement of the large roof covering the railway platforms in the original plans with smaller canopies over each island platform sparked an outcry among railway campaigners. Translink responded, stating that the changes to the roof design of the new Belfast Grand Central Station were driven by considerations of "best design, passenger comfort, and air quality."[53]
* The absence of Irish language signage has disappointed Irish language campaigners, with Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin from An Dream Dearg stating, "This is not just a transport hub for Belfast; it serves people from across the entire island of Ireland. It's crucial that it reflects our identity as a city." A Translink spokesperson responded: "Translink is continuing to engage with all interested parties regarding multi-lingual signage at Belfast Grand Central Station for the official opening in the autumn of 2025."[54]

## Services

[edit]

### Rail services

[edit]

No rail services use Grand Central station at present. From its scheduled opening for rail services on 13 October 2024, the station is intended to become the terminus of all lines which previously (or temporarily) terminated at Belfast Lanyon Place or Lisburn, for services from the previous Belfast Great Victoria Street.

Preceding station  |  |  Northern Ireland Railways |  | Following station

|
|
|
|

| Future services |
Terminus  |  | Enterprise
Belfast-Dublin

|  | Portadown

Lisburn (Sundays only)
| Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Derry

|  | City Hospital
| Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Larne

| Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Bangor

| Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Newry

|  | Adelaide

### Bus services

[edit]

The first bus to use Grand Central's bus station was the X1 Goldline bus service to Dublin Busáras on 8 September 2024.[38][55][56]

Preceding station  |  | Ulsterbus |  | Following station

|
|
|
|

Newry Buscentre |  | Goldline
Belfast-Dublin (Route X1) |  | Terminus
Dublin Airport |  | Goldline
Belfast-Dublin (Route X2) |  | Terminus
Toomebridge By-Pass |  | Goldline
Belfast-Derry (Route 212) |  | Terminus
Adelaide Street |  | Goldline
Belfast-Downpatrick (Route 215)
Belfast-Newcastle (Route 237) |  | Terminus
Ballynahinch |  | Goldline
Belfast-Newcastle (Route 237A) |  | Terminus
Belfast High Street |  | Goldline
Belfast-Ballymena-Coleraine (Route 218)
Belfast-Ballymena-Coleraine (Route 219) |  | Terminus
Ballymena Railway Station |  | Goldline
Belfast-Giant's Causeway (Route 221) |  | Terminus
Portadown Market Street |  | Goldline
Belfast-Armagh/Monaghan (Route 251) |  | Terminus
Dungannon Bus Station |  | Goldline
Belfast-Enniskillen (Route 261) |  | Terminus
| Goldline
Belfast-Derry via Omagh (Route 273) |
Belfast International Airport |  | Airport Express
Airport Express (Route 300) |  | Terminus
Belfast City Airport |  | Airport Express
Airport Express (Route 600) |  | Terminus
Stranraer Ferry Terminal
via Stena Line |  | Eurolines
Belfast-London |  | Terminus
| Eurolines
Belfast-Edinburgh |
Park Centre Belfast  |  | Eamonn Rooney
Newry Express (Route ??) |  | Queen's University
Sprucefield Shopping Centre  |  | Hannon Coach
Glasgow Express (Route ??) |  | Belfast, Stena Line Terminal

## Gallery

[edit]

* Belfast Grand Central on the 10th of January 2023

* Looking at BGC from the former railway station Great Victoria street

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Information about ownership". whatdotheyknow.co.uk. Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company. 17 June 2024. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
2. ^ a b c d "Belfast Grand Central Station". www.translink.co.uk. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
3. ^ "Belfast Grand Central". mcaslan.co.uk. John McAslan + Partners. 19 May 2016. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
4. ^ "iLink Zone information". translink.co.uk. Translink. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
5. ^ "Belfast Transport Hub to be called Grand Central Station". 8 April 2022. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
6. ^ "Work on £175m Belfast transport hub to start in 2018, says Translink boss". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
7. ^ a b c Corscadden, Jane (7 April 2022). "Translink announces name of new Belfast transport hub". BelfastLive. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
8. ^ a b c d "Belfast Transport Hub to be called Grand Central Station". BBC News. 8 April 2022. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
9. ^ MacAuley, Conor. "New £340m transport hub a 'game changer' for Belfast". RTÉ.ie.
10. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3wd98d2n2o
11. ^ "Belfast Grand Central Station to be a 'game-changer' for public transport".
12. ^ Sinclair, Ian (2009). Along UTA Lines. Newtownards: Colourpoint. p. 10\. ISBN 978-1-906578-49-7.
13. ^ "Geograph:: Great Victoria Street railway station – Belfast [56 photos] in J3373". www.geograph.org.uk. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
14. ^ a b "Belfast Transport Hub - Future Belfast". www.futurebelfast.com. 31 January 2016. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
15. ^ a b "Minister Mallon cuts sod on the new Belfast Transport Hub". Department for Infrastructure. 18 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
16. ^ a b "Work begins on new Belfast transport hub". Belfast Media Group. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
17. ^ "A grand welcome awaits…Belfast Grand Central Station" (PDF). translink.co.uk. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
18. ^ McGonagle, Suzanne (15 March 2017). "Video: Neighbourhood surrounding new Belfast transport hub to be called Weavers Cross". The Irish News. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
19. ^ Translink. "The Belfast Hub - Translink". www.translink.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
20. ^ "Belfast Hub - Belfast City Council". www.belfastcity.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
21. ^ a b Kenwood, Michael (30 June 2022). "Belfast Orange Order among objectors to "bleak" plan for Weaver's Cross". BelfastLive. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
22. ^ "Belfast Hub Public Consultation Boards" (PDF). Translink. February–March 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
23. ^ "Contractor announced for initial work on Belfast transport hub". ITV News. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
24. ^ "Translink names contractor to start works on new Belfast Transport Hub". Weavers Cross. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
25. ^ a b c d Scott, Sarah (19 February 2021). "Statement as first key milestone reached for Belfast Transport Hub". BelfastLive. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
26. ^ "Belfast Transport Hub to create 400 jobs says Translink". BBC News. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
27. ^ Kennedy, Catherine (17 February 2022). "Main construction to begin on £175M Belfast transport hub". New Civil Engineer. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
28. ^ "Busway Bridge opens ahead of Belfast Grand Central Station completion". www.arup.com. Retrieved 27 December 2023.[permanent dead link]
29. ^ "Brand new Grand Central Station on track for autumn opening as Translink outlines upcoming works". Belfast Telegraph. 19 April 2024. Archived from the original on 19 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
30. ^ "The Grand Connection Roadshow". www.translink.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
31. ^ "BGCS Works". translink.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
32. ^ TranslinkNI (8 July 2024). The Grand Connection: Behind the Scenes at Belfast Grand Central Station (1). Retrieved 15 August 2024 - via YouTube.
33. ^ "Translink's The Grand Pianist". www.translink.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
34. ^ TranslinkNI (14 August 2024). Grand Central Station - First Train. Retrieved 19 August 2024 - via YouTube.
35. ^ Train Videos NI (13 August 2024). NIR 4000 Class DMU 4001 on Driver Training Test runs into Belfast Grand Central station. 12/8/24. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024 - via YouTube.
36. ^ "Opening date for Belfast Grand Central Station announced as bus services to begin from new transport hub". The Irish News. 19 August 2024. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
37. ^ "'A really exciting milestone' – date revealed for opening of £340m Grand Central Station". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 19 August 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
38. ^ a b "Journey Planner for First Services from Belfast Grand Central Station". translink.co.uk. 4 September 2024. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
39. ^ "Belfast Grand Central Station to be a 'game-changer' for public transport". Irish Independent. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
40. ^ "Grand Central Station: Irish dual-language signage excluded". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
41. ^ "First look inside the new Belfast Grand Central Station as it prepares to open on Sunday". The Irish News. 4 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
42. ^ Macauley, Conor (6 September 2024). "New £340m transport hub a 'game changer' for Belfast". RTE News.
43. ^ "Belfast Grand Central Station welcomes first customers". The Irish News. 8 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
44. ^ "Belfast: Grand Central Station opens to the public". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
45. ^ "Belfast Grand Central Station officially opens as first bus passengers depart new £340m hub". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 8 September 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
46. ^ https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/watch-first-enterprise-train-move-29988370
47. ^ "Belfast's Grand Central Station confirms dates for train services - if all goes to plan". The Irish News. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
48. ^ "Trains to start running from Grand Central Station". BBC News. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
49. ^ "Translink". www.translink.co.uk. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
50. ^ "Row over replacing Belfast's Boyne Bridge". BBC News. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 October 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
51. ^ "Translink 'to work with community' to address transport hub concerns". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
52. ^ "Belfast rapid transit Glider bus revealed ... but passengers face walk to transport hub". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
53. ^ "Translink defend design change to Belfast Grand Central Station as campaigners launch roof petition". The Irish News. 9 November 2023. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
54. ^ Simpson, Mark [@BBCMarkSimpson] (4 September 2024). "There's been criticism from @dreamdearg because Irish is not part of main signage at Belfast's new Grand Central Station. Response here from Translink. ⤵️" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 September 2024 - via Twitter.
55. ^ "Eamonn Rooney Coach Hire Service Update". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
56. ^ "BELFAST - GLASGOW EXPRESS" (PDF).

## External links

[edit]

Media related to Belfast Grand Central station at Wikimedia Commons

* Belfast Grand Central live train departures
* Weavers Cross Website
* Belfast Grand Central Website

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