TRANSLINK has confirmed it hopes to welcome its first passengers at the new Belfast Grand Central Station by the end of 2024, with a full opening to the public in 2025.
Images of work on the £208 million infrastructure project were shared this week after a visit from the Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd.
A Translink spokesperson said: “The scheme will fully open to the public in 2025 with 8 rail platforms, 26 bus stands and public realm completed. There will be a phased opening, starting in late 2024.
“Belfast Grand Central Station 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.
“This impressive facility will be a catalyst for regeneration of the area and will ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to encourage modal shift to attract more people to choose public transport”.
Seven months into the construction, extensive work on the foundations is being completed while an enormous steel frame and bridge are expected to be in place by the end of the year.
Speaking after his visit, Mr O'Dowd said: “I recently visited the site of the new Belfast Grand Central Station and was very impressed with the fantastic progress that has been made. When completed, this significant regeneration project will deliver a modern, high quality integrated transport hub in Belfast city centre and will enhance connectivity with bus, coach and rail links across the island. The project will provide a step change in the provision of public transport, drive economic development and play a major part in tackling the climate emergency.”
