The consortium formed by Farrans and Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructures will carry out the main construction works of the Transport Hub in Weavers Cross Belfast BTH (Northern Ireland), for Translink, the public transport operator in Northern Ireland, within a 4 years deadline.
The Minister for Infrastructure of Northern Ireland, Nichola Mallon; and the CEO of Translink, Chris Conway, have announced the commencement of the main works with other representatives from the consortium: José Manuel Loureda, General Manager of Business Development of Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructures; and Dominic Lavery, Managing Director of Farrans, among other political and business representatives.
A modern and sustainable hub
The new transport hub will replace the existing Europa bus center and Great Victoria Street train station in an eight-hectare site in Weavers Cross, a new neighborhood in the center of the city that will contribute to the regeneration of that area.
This new infrastructure will be a multi-modal hub with 26 bus stands, 8 railway platforms, and bike lanes that will foster sustainable mobility in the city and enhance connectivity in the region. It will also have design and construction elements to promote efficient mobility, respect for the environment and energy conservation.
The project will bring numerous social and collaborative initiatives with the community to regenerate the area and it will create 500 jobs during construction, a boost to the local sector.
NI Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon said: “The hub will bring together many aspects of how we travel including greener and cleaner travel by cycling, bus and rail. It will improve connectivity for everyone in Northern Ireland and beyond, and will be a key driver of social, economic and environmental wellbeing for the local and wider community”. She also stressed “the social value element of the contract with Translink and contractors working closely with stakeholders to provide employment and training opportunities”.
Chris Conway, CEO de Translink, noted that “This hugely important project will deliver an impressive integrated transport facility delivering top-class customer experience including enhanced cross border connectivity”. “We expect construction on the new facility to take around 4 years to complete. During this time over 500 jobs will be created, and the scheme overall will be a major boost to the construction and engineering sector in Northern Ireland”.
Duane McCreadie, project director of Farrans-Sacyr JV for this project emphasized: “In signing the main contract for Belfast Transport Hub with Translink and the Department for Infrastructure this week, we are pleased to be taking the next step forward in a project which will be integral in shaping the future of the city and promoting sustainable transport. Social value will play a significant role during the construction of Belfast Transport Hub and we will be engaging closely with community groups, charities and schools to create local employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities to deliver a positive lasting impact".
