Some of Translink’s stations are celebrating anniversaries in 2026. Here are some memories to help us mark these milestones.

Lanyon Place Station - 50 Years

Lanyon Place Station — known for decades as Belfast Central — has a fascinating history that reflects the changing shape of Belfast’s rail network. The station first opened its doors in April 1976, following the closure of two former major railway hubs: the Belfast and County Down Railway’s Queens Quay Station and Great Northern Railway (Ireland)’s Great Victoria Street Station. Before NIR’s trains arrived, the site itself had a very different purpose. It was once part of the Belfast Central Railway which linked Great Victoria Street with a passenger terminus on Oxford Street, near the Queen’s Bridge. Belfast Central station was built on the site of Maysfields goods yard which once had a very busy railway cattle yard.

Central Station began operating on 12^th April 1976, initially serving passengers on the Bangor line. Just two weeks later, on 26^th April, Enterprise services from Dublin, as well as trains from Portadown and Lisburn were also transferred to the new station, quickly establishing it as a key transport gateway for Belfast.

A major transformation began in 2000, when Central Station underwent an extensive refurbishment. By the time the project was completed in March 2003, the station had been given a fresh new concourse, and improved platform access as well as a lift and a restaurant — all designed to make the passenger experience more welcoming and modern. 

The most recent chapter in its story came on 1st September 2018, when Central Station officially adopted its new name: Lanyon Place Station, which fits with where the facility is geographically located within Belfast and commemorates the architect Sir Charles Lanyon who designed many of the city’s landmark buildings and several of Ulster’s railway stations. This renaming coincided with another round of improvements, including upgrades to the entrance and ticket office, giving the station a brighter, more open feel; and coincided with the introduction of the new Glider service, with a stop outside Lanyon Place Station, ensuring greater access, integration and connectivity for passengers.

Botanic Station - 50 Years

Coinciding with the move of the Dublin, Portadown and Lisburn line services to Central Station in April 1976, Botanic Station in south Belfast was opened on 26^th April 1976. 

Botanic is one of four central Belfast stations, making it a crucial connector for the south of the city, being close to Queen’s University Belfast, the Ulster Museum and Shaftesbury Square. 

Botanic Station underwent upgrades in 2007, with modernised platforms, extended shelters and signage and further refurbishment works to improve accessibility were carried out in 2019.

Coleraine Bus and Rail Centre - 25 Years

Coleraine Station is marking the 25th anniversary of its modern interchange facilities, which officially opened on 21^st September 2001, integrating rail and bus services in a single, redesigned hub. The redevelopment introduced the now‑distinctive station building featuring a rotunda and arched entrance, enhancing both passenger flow and the station’s architectural identity. 

Coleraine Station’s origins date back to its opening on 4^th December 1855 by the Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Portrush Junction Railway, with its earliest structures designed by noted architect Charles Lanyon. These Victorian foundations helped establish Coleraine as an important regional connection point, later expanded with additional east‑side buildings in the 1880s and supported by nearby infrastructure such as the bascule bridge over the River Bann. 

Now serving rail services to Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, and Portrush, Coleraine Station remains a vital transport hub. 

Its combined rail and bus facilities enable smooth onward travel for commuters, students, and tourists in bright and spacious surroundings. The 25th anniversary highlights the station’s success as a modern interchange, continuing to provide efficient, reliable public transport services while preserving the historic role of Coleraine as a gateway to the north‑west.

Bangor Bus and Rail Centre - 25 Years

The new Bangor station officially opened after rebuilding on the 5^th April 2001.

The redevelopment created what is now known as the Bangor Bus and Rail Centre, a combined transport hub designed to modernise facilities and improve connections for the growing commuter population. A time capsule - to be opened in 2101 - was buried in the public concourse to mark the event. The project also included a new bus engineering workshop and bus wash, as well as a café and retail unit.

The station's history stretches back far beyond its recent quarter‑century milestone. Originally opened by the Belfast, Holywood and Bangor Railway in May 1865 and acquired by the Belfast and County Down Railway in 1874, the facility has undergone numerous transformations over more than 160 years. 

Today, Bangor Station remains an essential gateway for commuters and visitors travelling between Bangor and Belfast, offering frequent services and modern amenities that reflect the investment made during its redevelopment. 

Its 25th anniversary is not only a celebration of the current station but also a recognition of the town’s railway and bus heritage and the continued importance of public transport in shaping the local community.

Antrim Station - 125 Years

The current Antrim Railway Station was built in 1901 to the design of Berkeley Deane Wise, replacing an earlier 1848 Belfast and Ballymena Railway building, so is celebrating 125 years in its current form.

In 2012 work began on Antrim’s Integrated Bus and Rail Station, which was completed and opened in 2013. A time capsule was installed at this time at the station’s original entrance.

Antrim to Bleach Green and Mossley West Station - 25 Years

Another 25^th anniversary this year is the reopening of the Antrim to Belfast Railway Line including the Bleach Green Railway viaduct, on the 9^th June 2001. 

At first, all trains between Belfast and Antrim had to run reverse at Greenisland before continuing their journey. When the direct line from Bleach Green Junction (near Whiteabbey) to Mossley opened in 1933, it cut 15 minutes off journey times. That route was closed in 1978 when the service was diverted to Great Victoria Street station. When renewed and re-opened in 2001, the line between Bleach Green Junction and Antrim shaved approximately 30 minutes off journey times on the Belfast to Derry~Londonderry route.

Mossley West station, which serves the growing Newtownabbey area, has evolved into a busy commuter halt. 

Laganside Bus Centre - 25 Years

Laganside Buscentre opened on 1st May 1996, replacing the former bus station at Oxford Street. The building has a bright, airy feel thanks to all the glass in its design, with a wave pattern running along the ceiling and across one of the glass walls.

When it opened, the concourse housed an airport‑style electronic departure board, which was modern for a bus station of the time.

Laganside Buscentre is also home to a ceramic panel honouring four Citybus and eight Ulsterbus staff who lost their lives during The Troubles. It was officially unveiled on the same day the Buscentre opened.

From Laganside, you can catch services to places like Bangor, Newtownards, Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Larne, Antrim, Coleraine and the Giant’s Causeway.

Celebrating these anniversaries in 2026 isn’t just about looking back; it’s about recognising the role these stations will continue to play in shaping a more sustainable, Better‑Connected future for the region.    

With thanks to Jonathan Miller, Hilton Parr and Charles P Friel.