Transport

The Belfast Hub: a new heart in the city

October 2014

©Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland - June 28 2014 Mandatory Credit - Darren Kidd /Presseye.com An Integrated Design Team has been appointed for the development of a major new Transport Hub for Belfast. The design team and architects who comprise of Arup, Lead Architect Hiro Aso and John McAslan and Partners have an extensive portfolio in the development and delivery of modern and highly efficient transports infrastructure facilities including Kings Cross Station in London. The Hub is set to be located on the 20 acre site of the existing Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street Train Station. Announcing the appointment are Transport Minister Danny Kennedy MLA (right)and Translink Infrastructure Executive Clive Bradberry (left) with the design team lead architect Hiro Aso. EMBARGOED: NOT FOR PRINT OR BROADCAST BEFORE 3.15PM ON TUESDAY 1ST JULY 2014 DRD PRESS RELEASE 1 July 2014 Kennedy appoints design team for development of Belfast Transport Hub The goal of delivering a 21st Century Transport Hub for Belfast as an urban gateway to the city and beyond has moved one step closer with the appointment of an Integrated Design Team for the project. The new design team and architects who comprise of Arup, Lead Architect Hiro Aso and John McAslan and Partners have an extensive portfolio in the development and delivery of modern and highly efficient transports infrastructure facilities including Kings Cross Station in London. The Hub is set to be located on the 20 acre site of the existing Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street Train Station. Already around 7 million passengers use these facilities each year and as more people choose to use the bus and train this is estimated to increase to around 13 million passengers by 2030. Making the announcement, Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: “This is one of the most exciting and ambitious public transport developments to be seen in Northern Ireland. I welcome the design team from Arup, Lead Architect Hiro Aso and the team from John McAslan and Partners who bring a wealth of experience in the design of modern transport infrastructure. “With a steady year-on-year increase in the number of people choosing to use bus and train it is vital that we grow our already excellent public transport infrastructure to meet the increase in demands that we know are ahead of us. “As well as the improved transport links, this project also offers huge benefits for Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole. The enhanced transport hub has the potential to become a ‘green urban gateway’ revitalising Belfast city centre. Indeed it was recently cited in the Urban Strategies Report commissioned and published by Belfast City Council as one of the top projects needed to deliver the overall vision of Belfast as a modern European City helping to attract tourism and investors which will significantly boost the region’s economy. Continuing the Minister said the transport hub has the potential to be a catalyst for regenerating the wider area in terms of a new office district, retail and leisure facilities. He said: “The hub has the very clear potential to strengthen the heart of Belfast. This will bring with it employment for the construction sector, business for local retailers and jobs in the service sectors - this is also good news for the neighbouring communities, particularly those in the adjoining Sandy Row and the Lower Falls areas. “Today the vision of delivering an excellent transport Hub for Northern Ireland that will rank among the best in Europe has just moved closer.” Clive Bradberry, Translink Infrastructure Executive said, “Public transport in Northern Ireland continues to grow at a pace – over 80 million passenger journeys last year. Our current infrastructure is now operating at almost full capacity and as such we need to plan to have the proper infrastructure in place so we can build on Northern Ireland’s passenger transport success story. We plan to operate all trains including our cross border Enterprise services from the new Transport Hub enabling greater connectivity with local rail, bus and coach options providing more attractive, integrated and accessible travel choices. Northern Ireland is now on a world stage having successfully hosted many major events - most recently the Giro d’Italia. We are very much looking forward to working with our new design team and the Department for Regional Development to take this exciting project forward”. Hiro Aso, Lead Architect at John McAslan + Partners, commented on the team’s appointment, “This project represents one of the largest city centre developments in Belfast for many years and offers the opportunity to create a significant landmark at a key gateway to the city. The team we’ve assembled will bring innovative, fresh thinking to the complexities of Belfast’s transportation challenges.” The Department in partnership with Translink and the Strategic Investment Board has been working to develop the feasibility of the new Transport Hub and the appointment of the design team takes the project to the next phase. Ends All media enquiries including interview set-up: Translink press office’s Lynda Shannon 07771 987138 or Ursula Kelleher 07786 884024. Notes to the Editor The new design team and architects have an extensive portfolio in the development and delivery of modern and highly efficient transports infrastructure facilities including Kings Cross Station in London. Ursula Kelleher | PR & Public Affairs Officer | Translink Central Station | East Bridge Street | Belfast | BT1 3PB Tel: 028 90 66 66 30 ext 2734 | Mob: 07786 884024 | Twitter: @TranslinkPress Journeys and more at www.translink.co.uk Translink is setting high ambitions in its plans for the Belfast Transport Hub.

Northern Ireland is making real progress towards achieving its vision of a 21st century Public Transport Hub situated right in the heart of the capital city. Translink and the Department for Regional Development, working in conjunction with the Strategic Investment Board, have identified the potential to create an integrated Transport Hub as a high-class green urban gateway to Belfast.

Revitalising the city centre, the new flagship facility will be located on the 20-acre site of the existing Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street Railway Station.

Almost 80 million passenger journeys are made on Translink rail, coach and bus services each year. Last year, a record 13 million train journeys were made – over twice the number since the current Great Victoria Street Railway Station was built in 1995. Goldline coach journeys have also increased by 45 per cent over the last 10 years.

Combined footfall at Great Victoria Street Station/Europa Buscentre is currently around 6.7 million people per year – comparable to combined passenger numbers for Northern Ireland’s airports. Projections indicate that current footfall could increase to at least 13 million by 2030.

Experience in Great Britain and Europe shows that investing in public transport infrastructure has a very positive impact on local and regional economies: a catalyst for regeneration. This is evidenced in cities such as London, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, Antwerp and Lille.

The Belfast Transport Hub will have many important benefits:

• a fully integrated transport solution catering for anyone using the train, bus, coach, taxi, car or bicycle;

• enhanced passenger journey experience – better facilities and additional train, coach and bus capacity;

• substantial job creation;

• commercial development attracting significant private investment;

• attracting tourism;

• reducing congestion;

• supporting economic growth; and

• creating an excellent first impression of the city as confident and progressive.

Recently, a team of integrated design consultants was appointed to prepare a masterplan and take forward the preferred design solution for the new Hub. Comprising Arup, lead architect Hiro Aso, and John McAslan and Partners, the team has an extensive portfolio in the development and delivery of modern and highly efficient transport infrastructure facilities, including Kings Cross Station in London.

Initial concept designs are expected at the end of this year with construction due to begin in 2016-2017 subject to securing funding and planning permission. This major project will benefit public transport customers, local businesses and residents. It offers real economic opportunities for Northern Ireland as a whole and needs the support of government to become a reality.

Translink is now calling on everyone who wants to see Northern Ireland grow and prosper to “Get behind the Hub!” For further information click www.translink.co.uk/thehub

Translink
Tel: 028 9066 6630
Web: www.translink.co.uk
Twitter: @Translink_NI

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