Northern Ireland architecture practice details role in development of new Belfast landmark
Belfast’s John McAslan + Partners reveals more about the development of Belfast Grand Central Station and the inspirations for the design of the hub
Northern Ireland architecture practice John McAslan + Partners has detailed the role the business and its partners played in the development of Belfast Grand Central Station and the inspirations for the design of the hub.
Belfast Grand Central Station has welcomed its first passengers with bus services now operating from the new multi-modal terminus.
The integrated transport hub has been designed by John McAslan + Partners Belfast Design Studio in collaboration with Arup and Juno for Translink as part of Belfast’s ongoing urban regeneration.
Inspired by the city’s rich industrial heritage, Belfast Grand Central Station has replaced the current facilities at Europa buscentre and Great Victoria Street railway stations and is expected to cater for about 20 million passenger journeys annually with flexibility for future growth.
It is configured around a station concourse, which is more than ten times larger than the facilities it replaces, alongside space for retail
Located on the site of former railway yards, and bounded by Durham Street and Grosvenor Road, the design was said to evoke engineering-led structures which typify railway architecture such as repeating gantries and the scale of Victorian railway terminal.
The station’s design also draws inspiration from the former linen mills that characterised the development of the local area. Large glazed northlights span the unified amenities and introduce natural light to the concourse below.
Ross Harrison, associate director at John McAslan + Partners Belfast Design Studio, said: "Designed to cater for bus, and rail travel under one roof, our collaboration on Belfast Grand Central Station with Arup for Translink has delivered a customer-centred station on time, a real achievement for transport projects.
"More than that, it delivers a civic function – providing a forward-looking first impression of Belfast that is symbolic of the changing direction of the city. Globally, modern public transport hubs are increasingly used in this way, and it is timely that Belfast should unveil this gateway on the cusp of Ireland’s wider rail review."
Colin Bennie, director of transport and infrastructure at John McAslan + Partners, added: "Over the years, our practice has worked on a number of major transport projects in London, Sydney and New York. We’re delighted to build on this experience in Belfast and are excited to see how transport architecture is increasingly considered the defining feature of a modern city that works for everyone. This is certainly what we have sought to achieve for Belfast Grand Central Station."
Chris Caves, director at Arup, added the opening of the bus element was "a key milestone for Northern Ireland".
He added: "This state-of-the-art public transport hub will not only enhance connectivity across the region but also drive sustainable growth for the local economy. It’s a proud moment for all involved, and we’re thrilled to have played such a significant part in this flagship project, from the outset, in delivering such a transformative piece of infrastructure."