Translink reveals latest Belfast Hub designs following massive public support for project

Translink has revealed the latest proposals for the Belfast Hub; a transport-led regeneration project consisting of a world-class transport interchange and surrounding masterplan development.

A recent public consultation held in Autumn 2016 attracted almost 2,000 responses from a wide range of stakeholders with the overwhelming majority (88%) supporting the principle of the new integrated public transport hub and two thirds agreeing that it would be a high quality gateway to Belfast City for residents and visitors.

Public consultation feedback also raised a series of recurrent themes, including: access for people with impaired mobility; cycling infrastructure provision; contemporary versus traditional design; traffic planning and parking provision; local history recognition; management of construction phase.

Running until March 10, this next stage of engagement gives the public an opportunity to discuss the latest Hub designs incorporating key changes based on previous consultation feedback.

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said:

“This world-class Belfast Hub development will energise our city and become the main transport hub for Northern Ireland. It will act as a catalyst for regeneration, connecting and inspiring more people to live and work here.

“This is an innovative and ambitious project that will provide a gateway to Belfast for commuters and tourists; a main bus and train connection point for all parts of Northern Ireland and the main rail link to Dublin, including direct connections to all major airports in Belfast and Dublin.

“This site currently sees over 8million annual visitors, however our projections show that by 2030 this will increase to over 13million recognising the modal shift to more active forms of travel such as cycling, walking and public transport as a way of cutting down congestion, creating a healthier more environmentally-minded City that has already begun to happen.

“This exciting project supports Translink’s Vision to be Your First Choice for Travel in Northern Ireland and we look forward to receiving final public feedback prior to the submission of planning applications,” said Chris.

Public feedback can be provided in the following ways:

• Online: Visit www.translink.co.uk/thehub/;
• Newsletter: copies of the latest “Get Behind the Hub!” newsletter featuring consultation survey are available in main Belfast Translink stations (Belfast Central Station, Europa Buscentre, Great Victoria Street Railway Station and Botanic Train Station);
• Public Event (Workshop): Thursday 23 February 2017 from 12.00pm – 8.00pm with presentations at 1pm and 5.30pm in the Europa Hotel (Conference Room, top floor). Representatives of the Hub team will be in attendance to provide more detailed information on the proposals, answer any questions and gather feedback;
• Public Event (Static Display): Running from 27 February – 10 March 2017 in the Europa Buscentre, Belfast. Representatives of the Hub project team will also be in attendance to answer any questions and gather feedback between 11.30am- 1.30pm & 3.30pm-5.30pm on 1st March 2017.

This consultation phase is open until 5pm on Friday 10th March. For more information on the Belfast Hub click www.translink.co.uk/thehub/ and follow @Translink_NI #belfasthub.

About Translink

Translink's mission is to deliver a transformation in public transport, providing integrated services which connect people, enhance the economy and improve the environment, enabling a thriving Northern Ireland.