Translink has confirmed that the partly opened Belfast Grand Central Station is to get temporary cycle parking “in the coming weeks”, ahead of what it said would be the full completion of public realm works around the station in late 2025.
Translink’s confirmation of the situation regarding bicycle parking at the station comes after the Belfast Cycling Campaign yesterday questioned the lack of bicycle parking at the new rail and bus transport hub.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland transport agency, which runs the station, said: “With a clear focus on active travel, Belfast Grand Central Station will be a game changer helping inspire and reimagine the city – one where more people travel on public transport, walk, wheel and cycle.”
“Translink has been engaging with Sustrans and other stakeholders from the onset of this project to facilitate and encourage active travel. As part of the phased opening of Belfast Grand Central Station, we will provide temporary cycle parking in coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.
They added: “When the entire project, including public realm space, is completed (late 2025) we will have provision to park over 200 cycles”.
Translink said that the public realm work will put “a clear focus on allocation of road space to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport around the station.”
The station had its ribbon cutting today after it was opened to buses on Sunday.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “This is truly a new era for public transport here in Belfast and across the north and indeed the island of Ireland. This new flagship station is iconic as well as historic and it signals our intent in relation to our climate commitments and our focus on transport decarbonization.”
He added: “There is no doubt that this is an impressive facility with the space to cater for up to 20 million customer journeys per year, with 26 bus stands and double the number of rail platforms from four to eight. With 200+ spaces for bicycles, we are focused on encouraging more active travel and providing passenger facilities and services that deliver an enhanced user experience.”
Bus services have now started at the station, with rail services starting on a phased basis from the end of the month.
The Dublin-Belfast Enterprise service is currently operating with bus transfers until early October, but once the switchover is made, trains will bring cross-border passengers into a more central part of Belfast than previously.