25th March 2003
The official opening of the newly refurbished Central Station, which included a new traffic management system and improved car parking facilities, was performed today by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister responsible for Regional Development, Angela Smith MP. The extensive scheme represents an investment of over £6 million in the future of Northern Ireland’s railway network.
“This is a fantastic development, and a milestone in our history,” said Managing Director, Ted Hesketh CBE, “This beautiful spacious building is our flagship station on the N I Railways network, offering customers a brand new public transport experience”.
He continued,” Our staff have worked extremely hard on this project to achieve the highest standard in passenger facilities. This station is a gateway to many thousands of visitors each year and it will certainly give them an excellent first impression of our city and Northern Ireland as a whole. We hope that all our customers will feel that it was worth waiting for, and we would sincerely like to thank them for their patience during the renovation period.”
Translink Chairman, Dr Joan Smyth CBE, was equally enthusiastic about the new look Central Station.
“This newly refurbished station provides Belfast with a new landmark building. It demonstrates our commitment to developing first class amenities and excellent customer service and really is another step forward in delivering a quality public transport system for everyone.
We are very thankful to the Minister and her Department for their investment and to the European Regional Development Fund for the significant resources received which enabled this project to be brought to fruition.
“This bright, spacious station is a revelation for those who remember the Central Station of old. Our property managers, architects and contractors have made sure that the station is easily accessible and user friendly at all points. All levels are fully accessible via lifts and escalators, connecting the car park, concourse and platforms.
“We’ve also gone to great lengths to ensure that information and signage are clear and well displayed and the new dining and rest areas are also a great improvement on the previous facilities. Integration too has been considered. Onward bus journeys are easy, particularly with the frequent Centrelink service and the new Translink Travel Shop will also offer a range of bus and rail products. The state-of-the-art ‘Park & Ride’ facility now boasts automated barriers which mean faster entrance and exit times and the new traffic management system outside the boundary of the car park will enable safe access to the station, the Centrelink bus stop and taxi pick up point for all passengers.
“We have completed and initiated a significant number of major investment projects in fleet, infrastructure and technology, none of which would have been possible without the investment being made in the network by the Department for Regional Development, and the strong support of the Minister and her team. We very much welcomed the funding announced in the 2002 December budget.
“I am confident that the vision and foresight of the Minister and her predecessors and the support of many local politicians will lead to the renaissance of public transport and ensure passengers receive a high quality modern public transport system”.
Eddie McVeigh, head of the European Commission’s office in NI said, “I am pleased that the European Union have been able to make such a significant contribution to the refurbishment of Central Station. EU funding of £2.9 million has helped create a modern facility which will benefit regular users and tourists alike. It is yet another example of the important part being played by the EU in improving transport facilities in Northern Ireland.
Ends
For further information contact Sarah Stanczyk - Public Relations Officer Translink on 028 9089 9455
Notes to the Editor
Key Features and contractor details
- The layout of the station’s facilities is highly functional in design.
- Directions to key features are clearly prominent.
- Patterned floor tiles and modern clear signage, including extensive use of LCD electronic display screens, help to guide customers.
- An area of potential congestion within and outside the station has been eased. Outside the new road management system is in operation. While inside, the concourse benefits from clear pathways and make it easy for people to find their way around.
- Welcoming and comfortable waiting facilities has been created for passengers
- New escalators and lifts have been installed throughout the station to link the different levels
• Good colour contrasts used in materials to emphasise the location of walls, hand rails, platform edges and columns.
• Braille signage is used on walls alongside other notices.
• A new Public Address system is used to make regular travel information announcements.
• Doors open automatically upon approach.
• An audio induction loop system is in use around the station.
• There are low-level public telephones and a low-level counter at the ticket sales and information centre.
• Fully accessible toilet facilities are provided, together with a parent and baby room.
• Three wheelchairs are provided in the station for customer use (on each platform and by the ticket barrier).
2000-2003 Station Building Project Team
Project Management: Tom McClintock, Property Manager – Translink Infrastructure and Property Department.
Architect: Design ll, Belfast
Station Building Contractors: McCombe Bros, Antrim
Car Park Contractors: John McQuillen Contracts Ltd
Quantity Surveyors: Hastings & Baird
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