Work begins on the new £2m Transport Hub in West Belfast

The first sod has been cut on the new £2million Colin Town Centre Transport Hub and Civic Square in West Belfast.

The new Transport Hub, which forms a vital part of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) project will be a state of the art facility and will provide a significant economic boost to the local area. 

The new facility also includes an integrated community space and a civic square that will accommodate public events alongside a coffee dock, waiting area and public toilets.

The Department for Infrastructure is delivering the project in partnership with The Executive Office through the Urban Villages Initiative.

Ciáran de Búrca, Director of Transport projects at the Department for Infrastructure said: “This new local transport hub is due to be completed in summer 2018, in time for the start of Belfast Rapid Transit services in September 2018.

“It will further support the growing number of passengers who choose to use public transport in the West of the city. The new building will accommodate office space for the local community, a waiting area for passengers, coffee dock, travel information kiosk, secure cycle parking and public toilets.”

Speaking on behalf of the Urban Villages Initiative at The Executive Office, Director of Strategic Policy, Equality & Good Relations Dr Mark Browne said: “This new facility will be a major asset to everyone in the Colin area. It will massively improve accessibility and connectivity with other parts of Belfast, helping people in a very practical way as they go about their daily lives. The addition of community facilities and a new civic square will provide shared space that will bring the place to life with public events and community activities.

“This also signals the first phase of investment in Colin which is being supported through the Urban Villages Initiative. This is the beginning of significant capital investments that will build capacity for the local community and foster positive community identities.”

Annie Armstrong, Manager at Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, said: “This project marks the beginning of an exciting change for everyone living in and visiting the Colin area. In addition to the great new transport system, the integrated community space will allow public events to be hosted, such as markets, carnivals and Christmas celebrations.”

Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) is an innovative and ambitious project that will create a new and dynamic public transport system for Belfast. It will enhance connections and link the East, West and Titanic Quarter via the city center and provide people with improved access to jobs, hospitals, shops, schools, colleges, and entertainment.  This new Transport hub will also open up the opportunity for further investment and enterprise in the Colin area.

Anita Conway, Director of Development at Radius Housing said, “This new transport hub gives synergy to the new homes we have developed and are planning in West Belfast.   We believe it will improve vastly the transport links for work, education, health and recreation and further develop the community we are helping to build and envisage for the area.”

'