Minutes:
The Chairperson welcomed Mr. G. Marshall, Business Change Manager, Mr. D. Bannon, Head of Operational Improvements, and Ms. L. Shannon, Corporate Communications Manager, representing Translink to the meeting.
Mr. Marshall presented the Committee with an overview of the completed works, Phase 1, to the Belfast Grand Central Station, which included eight railway platforms and twenty-six bus stands, an integrated concourse for bus and rail, self-service ticket machines and the Northern Ireland Operating Centre (NIROC Phase 1A) at Lanyon Place Station, which was delivered in parallel on a critical path of the hub. In terms of infrastructure upgrades, he highlighted signalling and track layout updates, timetable enhancement and the relocation of the Enterprise Train, which had helped to significantly increase the number of passengers through the station. He also highlighted the commercial and accessibility improvements to the station.
Mr. Marshall then provided the Committee with a progress update in respect of ongoing works, Phase 2, to Glengall Street and Great Victoria Street. He advised the Committee that Phase 2 would include a comprehensive resurfacing programme which was scheduled for 2026 and would cover multiple areas including Grosvenor Road and Durham Street.
In respect of Durham Street, he outlined the ongoing utilities and culvert works and highlighted that those works had an impact on the delivery of this section. He stated that Translink would continue to work at pace with the contractor to minimise the delay. Mr. Marshall then presented the Committee with a computer-generated image (CGI) of Durham Street post-completion of the works.
In relation to Operations, Mr. Bannon provided the Committee with an update in respect of late-night public transport services and the Translink customer experience.
During discussion, several Members raised issues in relation to the planned layout of Durham Street, highlighting that it differed from initial plans and would now include five traffic lanes with minimal cycling provision. The Members stated that the proposed layout would be a step back from the initial approach of promoting active and sustainable travel and displayed a lack of greenery and tree planting. The Members also expressed concern that the proposed increase in traffic lanes would have a significant negative impact on pedestrian safety, cycling infrastructure, traffic congestion and air quality.
In response, Mr. Marshall advised that there had been an extensive consultation with key stakeholders, in close collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure, in relation to the proposed layout of Durham Street and that the design was aimed at facilitating the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, car users and cyclists. He also pointed out that the pedestrian crossings had been designed and modelled to ensure pedestrian safety. The representatives highlighted that the CGI was a number of years old and agreed to provide the Committee with further detail on the proposed layout of Durham Street.
In relation to active travel, a Member highlighted the need for quality active travel infrastructure which would join up to existing and planned cycle lanes and requested further information on the timeframe for the delivery of the active travel hub and secured cycle parking. The representatives advised that they would provide the Committee with further detail in respect of active travel infrastructure.
The representatives also answered a range of questions in relation to ticketing, road closures, community engagement, retail offering within the station, including provision and support for local independent traders, access to the station, branding of the pop-up market at the former Europa Bus Station, active travel, integration between services and bus tracking information.
The Chairperson thanked the representatives for their attendance and they retired from the meeting.
After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and that, where relevant, Translink would provide further information on the issues raised.