Translink has announced the opening date of the new £340m Grand Central Station in Belfast as Sunday September 8.
The phased opening of the new transport hub in the city will see bus services which normally operate out of the Europa Bus Centre transfer there from this date. A date for the beginning of rail services in and out of Grand Central Station has yet to be announced by Translink.
More: Controversial beer brand Brewdog to open in Belfast’s new Grand Central Station
More: Full details of bus and train services ahead of phased opening of Belfast Grand Central Station
Work has been ongoing on the transport hub since 2020, with this summer seeing an escalation in the construction and disruption to rail and bus lines expected to continue into the autumn.
The Europa Bus Centre will close its doors on Saturday September 7.
Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said the opening of the new station would happen in phases, with Sunday September 8 representing the first chance for the public to see the progress made.
Mr Conway said: “This is a really exciting milestone for everyone. The new station, and associated railway, signalling and public realm is a game changer set to inspire people to use more sustainable transport options creating a better connected, cleaner and healthier region for everyone.
“Over the coming weeks there will be a number of changes for passengers as we phase in bus and train services. These are being carefully planned to facilitate completion of all the essential commissioning and testing, to allow services to bed in, to give the public time to get familiar with the new station, and to facilitate the ongoing public realm works.
“This operational opening is a significant milestone in the project marking the next step towards transforming Northern Ireland’s public transport system. Over the coming year the programme of street works to improve pedestrian access around the new station will continue before the overall project is fully completed.
“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.”
Translink have advised that the rail line between Lisburn and Lanyon Place in Belfast remains closed due to associated engineering works, with replacement bus services continuing to operate until further notice.
It has also announced a series of public information events to be held at the Europa Bus Centre and train stations throughout the north in late August and early September to help the public plan their journeys in the coming weeks.
