Minutes:
The Committee was advised that Mr. C. Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink, Mr. L. McComb, Programme Director for the Belfast Hub, and Mr. F. Panayides, Project Architect from John McAslan and Partners were in attendance to present on the new Belfast Transport Hub and they were admitted to the meeting.
Mr. Conway advised that the current Great Victoria Street Bus and Rail Station currently handled 12million passenger movements per year and that that was expected to double in the future. He outlined that the Belfast Hub, on the same site, would be a transport led regeneration project which would seek to support sustainable economic growth. He explained that the Hub would act as a gateway not only to Belfast but to Northern Ireland as a whole and that the aim for the architect was to create a high quality arrival experience into the city.
He explained to the Committee that Translink had been working closely with the Council during the proposals for a Transport Hub and that it was keen to continue to work together to make the most of such an opportunity for Belfast. The Members were also reminded that, in order for the Hub to be a success, policy decisions in support of public transport would be required.
Mr. McComb explained to the Members that new transport hubs which had been built in large cities had played a valuable part for city investment and had played a significant role in the growth of the economy. The Committee was advised that there was wide evidence to show that new stations similar to the one proposed for Belfast had acted as a catalyst for broader development and regeneration.
During discussion, a Member asked how the Sandy Row area would be affected by the new Hub. In response, the Translink representatives explained that they would work with the local community and, through the layout of the regeneration scheme, were seeking to encourage footfall to Sandy Row. In response to a further Member’s question, Mr Conway stated that Translink did not intend to sell off any assets in order to pay for the Hub.
Mr. Panayides outlined the three options for the design of the new Hub and explained that all options included:
· double the number of rail platforms;
· an increased number of bus stands;
· the Enterprise service relocated from Belfast Central;
· integration with Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT);
· an attractive arrival experience; and
· a mixed use regeneration scheme
· impact on the retail offer in the surrounding area
A number of Members suggested that they would like to see a joined up public transport network, with connections between the two Belfast airports and Dublin airport, an extension of the rail network across the city and a new rail station to service the Ulster University in York Street.
In response to a Member’s question, Mr. Conway advised that Translink was investigating an integrated ticketing system for all public transport and that a tendering process would be undertaken in the next few weeks.
Members were supportive and could see the benefits of Option 1 in linking the arrival point to Great Victoria Street, opening the regeneration project up to the surrounding communities and maximising the commercial attractiveness of the regeneration land.
After further discussion the representatives from Translink retired from the meeting.