A new major milestone for Belfast Grand Central Station

Arup was first appointed in 2014 to lead the redevelopment’s entire masterplanning from concept through to design of the transportation hub. The firm has since been at the forefront of the project’s delivery stages in extensive collaboration with Translink, John McAslan + Partners and Juno Planning.

To bring the dynamic mixed-mode hub to life, Arup’s multidisciplinary teams have included civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, public health, transport planning, facades, acoustics, fire and environmental specialists.

Representing one of Northern Ireland’s largest city centre developments in recent years, the transport hub’s redevelopment will see Belfast Grand Central Station become the largest integrated transport facility in Ireland, serving as a catalyst for continued urban regeneration, economic growth, and inward investment.

Contributing to the station’s legacy in Belfast, Arup also advised on the project’s BREEAM and CEEQUAL Excellent accreditation, ensuring sustainable and equitable solutions were delivered at every design stage.

The local communities’ cultural, social, and environmental needs were considered and embedded in all design decisions. By ensuring the reconnection of the transport hub and city, Belfast Grand Central Station will integrate its adjacent cityscape, offering a multitude of new facilities and amenities, including both commercial and residential spaces, as a new public destination for all.

The surrounding area forms a new city neighbourhood, Weavers Cross. Influenced by Belfast’s rich cultural heritage, Arup was appointed to outline the masterplan for the new community, providing a benchmark for transport-led regeneration schemes globally.

Both the construction and operation of Belfast Grand Central Station at Weavers Cross will enable job creation and skills development, supporting the growth of the local economy and future opportunities for continued investment and regeneration.

Collaborating with Translink, Arup continues to be at the forefront of delivering the wider vision for the site’s redevelopment: a new piece of city for living, working, shopping and relaxing, as well as providing a world-class civic gateway to Belfast.

Ahead of planned completion in 2025, Arup continues to support Translink in the delivery stages of the project’s multi-modal transport facility works. The opening of the Busway Bridge will serve as the next major project milestone, anticipated in August. As a key component of the hub’s redesign, the bridge will integrate public transport modes by allowing buses to cross over railway lines, offering greater connectivity and access to Belfast Grand Central Station’s facilities.