Main construction to begin on £175M Belfast transport hub

Main construction on a new transport hub in Belfast is set to begin, with enabling works nearing completion.The Belfast Transport Hub will replace the existing Europa and Great Victoria Street bus and rail stations.Main works will be delivered by a joint venture of Farrans and Sacyr. Enabling works, delivered by Graham, are almost finished and railway system works, delivered by Babcock, are also underway.The multi-modal transport hub will provide greater capacity with an increase to 26 bus stands, eight railway platforms and enhanced walking and cycling connectivity. It will also provide greater comfort and accessibility and encourage greener, active travel.The Weavers Cross development delivered as part of the project will regenerate the lands around the transport hub and facilitate economic growth and urban regeneration.During a site visit, Northern Ireland’s infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon welcomed the “exciting milestone” for the project.Mallon added that with an expected annual footfall of over 20M, the project “will bring a host of benefits to support the economy”.Translink chief executive Chris Conway described the progress as “the next progressive step in our journey to transform public transport”.Meanwhile, Farrans Sacyr JV operations director Darrell McGuckian said the project “will be integral in shaping the future of the city and promoting sustainable transport”.Graham civil engineering contracts director Andrew Henry said the firm is “proud” to be working on the scheme and “leaving a lasting legacy for transport in the city”, while Babcock rail systems director Steven Bell emphasised that it is “one of the most significant railway infrastructure projects carried out in the UK in recent years”.