Phase two works are set to begin early next year
Translink have provided an update on the progress of public realm works associated with Grand Central Station. It comes as the Infrastructure Minister this week said the works should be completed by autumn 2026.
A written question was submitted to the Minister by SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole, who asked when public realm works associated with the £340 million station would be completed. In a reply on September 30, Minister Liz Kimmins said: “It is currently envisaged that public realm works associated with Belfast Grand Central Station will be completed by autumn 2026.”
The works include upgrading the streets surrounding the station and improving pedestrian safely to create a safer and active-travel focused area around the hub.
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In an update issued to Belfast Live, a spokesperson for Translink said: “Work on the public realm scheme surrounding Belfast Grand Central Station is progressing well.
“These works focus on reallocating road space to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport, with enhancements to pedestrian safety and accessibility for all users.
“We are working towards reopening Durham Street/Boyne Bridge Place by the end of November, which will include the introduction of designated set-down and pick-up points outside the station.
“The ongoing development of Saltwater Square and the surrounding public realm work will be delivered in phases throughout the remainder of 2025, with full completion during 2026”.
Phase two of public realm works are set to take place from January to April 2026, with kerb alignment outside the Europa Northern Mall, work on the Amelia Street entrance, and new paving laid down in front of the Grand Opera House and the Fitzwilliam Hotel. Further disruptions to traffic and travel are to be imposed in the Great Victoria Street area as a result.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas 2024, there was traffic chaos in the city centre, amid ongoing work surrounding the new station and a major resurfacing scheme of the A2 Sydenham Bypass contributing to serious traffic congestion in the city.
To avoid a repeat this year, the Infrastructure Minister last month outlined some traffic measures to keep Belfast moving in the run-up to the busy festive period.
The measures include:
- Aiming to re-open Durham Street to two-way traffic by the end of November.
- Extending the hours of operation of existing bus lanes on a number of southern routes to the city, including Ormeau Road and Saintfield Road, to operate in both directions during both the AM and PM peak.
- Improved monitoring through implementation of new smart sensor technology that will provide real-time data at key locations across the city to enable improved responsive, agile traffic management and evidence-based decision-making.
- The current configuration of the Great Victoria Street / Grosvenor Road / Howard Street junction to safely and efficiently accommodate increased pedestrian volumes will be retained, as will the temporary bus lanes on: Great Victoria Street, Howard Street, Bruce Street, Dublin Road and North Street.
Following the recent consultation, the current arrangements which allow additional taxis classes to use certain bus lanes in Bruce Street, Dublin Road, Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square will also continue.
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