New Park and Ride facility will bring 500 extra parking spaces to Belfast

The new facility will provide approximately 500 parking spaces and will be constructed on a site at the intersection of the Sydenham Bypass and the Holywood Road.

As the next stage in the development of the scheme, the pepartment will now begin the Pre-Application Discussions with Belfast City Council as a pre-cursor to applying for planning permission.

The minister said: “There is a growing demand for Park and Ride facilities across Northern Ireland.

“This new Park and Ride at Tillysburn will, when it is built, provide around 500 spaces.

“Its location on the A2 Belfast to Bangor transport corridor, a key arterial route into Belfast, will encourage commuters to choose public transport or cycling for part of their journey.

“This development will also integrate with a new cycle route linking Victoria Park and the Coastal path known as the Sydenham Greenway. This scheme will also pass along a section of the Holywood Road, linking with the new Park and Ride site and under the Tillysburn junction, via the underpass.

“My officials have been engaging with council representatives to determine a preferred route for the Sydenham Greenway scheme. I hope that the first part of the new cycle route will be delivered during the next financial year.

“I am committed to providing more choice for the travelling public as well as dealing with traffic congestion and tackling the climate emergency.”

The minister added: “The development of this Park and Ride facility along with the others that are progressing at Cairnshill, Downpatrick, Trooperslane, Comber and Newtownards is a positive move and is part of my Green recovery action plan. Working in partnership to change the way we travel will deliver benefits for everyone and will protect our environment.”