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Belfast Grand Central station

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Karl304 (talk | contribs) at 00:02, 13 October 2024 (I've added additional aliases to the rail colours module. This way using the longer official names for lines in the infoboxes ("Derry~Londonderry" and "Portadown/Newry") should work, without breaking all the other wiki code on pages which relies on the short names instead.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

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
NI Railways
Translink rail and bus station
A image of a Large train station with large glass windows and a Translink logo on a wall beside a set of stairs
The station at the Grosvenor Road at soft opening, 8 September 2024
General information
Other namesBelfast Transport Hub
LocationWeavers Cross,
Belfast,
County Antrim,
Northern Ireland
Owned byNorthern Ireland Transport Holding Company[1]
Operated byTranslink
Line(s)Bangor
Derry~Londonderry
Dublin
Larne
Portadown/Newry
Platforms8
Tracks8
Train operatorsNI 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 stands26
Bus operators
ConnectionsBus, Taxi, Trains, Bikes
Construction
Structure typeAt-grade
ParkingGreat Northern Car Park
535 spaces
9 Handicap Spaces [3]
Bicycle facilities300 cycle parking spaces[2]
AccessibleYes[2]
ArchitectJohn McAslan + Partners [4]
Other information
Fare zone1 [5]
Websitehttps://www.translink.co.uk/corporate/media/pressreleases/bgcsupdates
Key dates
2019Construction started
8 September 2024Soft Opening Bus Services start
13 October 2024Official Opening
Route map

An overview of rail destinations from Belfast Grand Central. Doesn't show all stops on the enterprise
Location
Belfast Grand Central is located in Northern Ireland
Belfast Grand Central
Belfast Grand Central
Location in the Northern Ireland
Belfast Grand Central is located in island of Ireland
Belfast Grand Central
Belfast Grand Central
Location on the island of Ireland
Map
Located to the east of Belfast City Hall

Belfast Grand Central station (originally the Belfast Transport Hub[6]) 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.[7][8] It is built next to its predecessors, in a new neighbourhood called Weaver's Cross.[9] The first bus service, to Dublin, departed from the station on 8 September 2024.[10] Rail services are due to commence in October 2024,[11] several months after the old railway station closed on 10 May 2024.[12]

Context

The first railway station in Ulster was opened on the site of the former Great Victoria Street station in 1839 on the Ulster Railway. 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.[13] 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.[14]

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.[15]

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.
    The original Great Victoria Street railway station.
  • Interior of the original Great Victoria Street Station.
    Interior of the original Great Victoria Street Station.
  • The west wing outlasted the rest of the original building.
    The west wing outlasted the rest of the original building.
  • An Enterprise service departs the original railway station on its last day.
    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
    The station continued to be served by buses after the railway left in 1976
  • An Ulsterbus coach departing the station in July 1976
    An Ulsterbus coach departing the station in July 1976
  • The 'new' railway station, which opened in 1995, under construction.
    The 'new' railway station, which opened in 1995, under construction.
  • Great Victoria Street as of 2016.
    Great Victoria Street as of 2016.
  • The Europa Buscentre in 2011.
    The Europa Buscentre in 2011.

Station location and facilities

The station is located on a 8-hectare (860,000 sq ft) site owned by Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company between the former Europa Buscentre and Belfast Great Victoria Street railway station,[2] both of which it replaces.[9] 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.[9] In addition to rail and bus improvements, the station also has cycle and taxi provision for enhanced connectivity, with 300 cycle parking spaces.[16][17]It is said to be the "largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland".[16] During construction the transport hub was described as the Northern Ireland Executive's "flagship project".[17]

Railway station

The new station will have eight platforms[8] (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.[15] 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.[18] Unlike at Lanyon Place, there is due to be a dedicated Enterprise lounge.[citation needed]

Bus station

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

The area surrounding the hub will become a new neighbourhood which Translink has named 'Weaver's Cross'.[19] This 100,000 m2 site is planned to comprise leisure, residential and commercial facilities.[20][21] 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.[22]

Station Quarter

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.[23]

Progress

By February 2021, the first stage of enabling works was completed by construction contractor company Graham,[24][25] clearing the 8-hectare (860,000 sq ft) for construction.[26] 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.[26] The Main Works and Infrastructure enhancement phases of the project are expected to be conducted in 2022.[26] The project was due for completion in 2024/2025.[9][26] The project was said to potentially create 400 jobs over a five-year period.[27]

The main works of the project would be delivered by a joint venture of Farrans and Sacyr, with railway system works by Babcock.[28] Translink promotes the project using the local expression "It's Grand".[8]

The Busway Bridge was completed in August 2023.[29]

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.[30]

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 centres and train and bus stations. These events also distributed exclusive Belfast Grand Central merchandise.[31]

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.[32]

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[33]

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.[34]

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.[35][36]

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."[37][38]

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.[39][40] 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.[41][42][43]

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.[44][45][46]

On 23 September 2024, the cross-border Enterprise service began trial runs at the new station, where it will relocate from Belfast Lanyon Place.[47]

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.[48][49][50]On the same day, Translink hosted the finals of "The GRAND Pianist", with captivating performances for passers-by to enjoy. The panel of judges included BBC Olympic sound producer Rebekah Fitch, along with Matthew Owens and Priscilla Rooney. Trevor Fung, a 10-year-old from Bangor, won the Under-16 category, while Brian Longridge, 57, from Greyabbey, claimed the top spot in the adult category.[51][52]

Controversies

Some issues with the scheme have arisen, including:

  • The demolition of the Boyne Bridge has deeply upset the residents of Sandy Row. In a June 2022 meeting, the majority of the 120 objections to the Weaver's Cross redevelopment plan focused on the removal of the bridge. The final parade over the Boyne Bridge took place on October 5th, 2024, with local DUP councillor Tracy Kelly describing it as an emotional night. The Ulster Young Defenders (UYD) Flute Band led the last march over the bridge, parading from Glengall Street to the Sandy Row Rangers Supporters Club to commemorate its final chapter. Now, Sandy Row residents are urging Translink to name the location "Boyne Bridge Place."[53][22][54]
  • The lack of integration with the new Glider rapid transport system, criticised as a missed opportunity for the transport hub nature of Grand Central.[55]
  • 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."[56]
  • 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."On September 12th, an Irish language protest took place at Grand Central Station, with a large An Dream Dearg banner displayed across the station floor. Protesters of all ages participated, holding signs with station names written in Irish. Eoghan Ó Gairmile from An Dream Dearg expressed their frustration, stating, That they deeply disappointed to see the new Grand Central Station launch without any provision for dual-language signage.[57][58][59][60][61]
  • Traffic in the city centre has become particularly congested around the new station during rush hour, with buses delayed by over 60 minutes or just straight up being cancelled and cars at a standstill. John O'Dowd, Sinn Féin MLA and Minister for Infrastructure, acknowledged that the new station has contributed to the issue but also highlighted the ongoing resurfacing work on the Sydenham Bypass as a significant factor.[62][63][64]

Services

Rail services

Grand Central acts as the terminus for all active railway lines in Northern Ireland, with the exception of the Coleraine-Portrush line.

On the Bangor Line, the station operates a half-hourly stopping service to Bangor on weekdays and Saturdays, with additional express services at peak times. On Sundays, the line reduces to hourly operation between Grand Central and Bangor.

The Derry~Londonderry Line operates an hourly service to Derry~Londonderry on weekdays and Saturdays, with some extra peak services terminating at Coleraine. On Sundays, this services remains hourly, however the terminus alternates every hour between Derry~Londonderry and Portrush. This results in only a two-hourly service to all stations beyond Coleraine.

The Enterprise (train) currently operates as a two-hourly service on the Dublin Line to Dublin Connolly every day of the week. The Enterprise is due to upgrade to an hourly service operating on weekdays and Saturdays from 29 October 2024. The Sunday service will remain two-hourly.

On the Larne Line, the station operates half-hourly services on weekdays and Saturdays. The terminus for these services alternates every half-hour between Larne Harbour and Whitehead. Additional peak-time services operate to Carrickfergus and Larne Town. This pattern results in an hourly service to Larne Harbour. The service reduces to hourly after 7pm. On Sundays, an hourly service runs on this line with the same alternating terminus pattern - this has the effect of providing a two-hourly service to all stations beyond Whitehead.

The Newry Line operates a half-hourly stopping service to Portadown on weekdays and Saturdays, with additional services (some operating as expresses) at peak times to Lisburn and Newry. On Sundays the line reduces to hourly operation between Grand Central and Portadown, with Newry only being served by the last train of the day. No trains stop at Scarva and Poyntzpass on Sundays.

Preceding station   Northern Ireland Railways   Following station
Terminus   Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Derry
   City Hospital
  Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Larne
  
  Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Bangor
  
  Northern Ireland Railways
Belfast-Newry
   Adelaide
  Enterprise
Belfast-Dublin
   Portadown
or
Lisburn (Sundays only)

Bus services

The first bus to use Grand Central's bus station was the X1 Goldline bus service to Dublin Busáras on 8 September 2024.[39][65][66]

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
  • Belfast Grand Central on the 10th of January 2023
    Belfast Grand Central on the 10th of January 2023
  • Looking at BGC from the former railway station Great Victoria street
    Looking at BGC from the former railway station Great Victoria street
  • Inside Belfast Grand Central
    Inside Belfast Grand Central

References

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  66. ^ "BELFAST - GLASGOW EXPRESS" (PDF).

Media related to Belfast Grand Central station at Wikimedia Commons

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