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Turley welcomes planning approval of major transport-led regeneration scheme with Belfast Grand Central Station at its heart

Acting on behalf of Translink, Turley has welcomed Belfast City Council’s decision to approve plans for Weavers Cross, a significant transport-led regeneration project, which we provided public affairs engagement services as part of a wider project team, including Arup, Juno Planning and John McAslan + Partners.

The inclusive regeneration plans, brought forward by Translink, to be delivered alongside a private sector development partner, would see the creation of a new mixed-use ‘city neighbourhood’, with the new Belfast Grand Central Station at its heart.

As a key economic driver for the city, the project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for ‘Regeneration through Reconnection’, delivering both spatial and social regeneration of both the area and the wider city, as well as encouraging and enabling a modal shift away from private cars.

Belfast Grand Central Station, a NI Executive flagship project, is the catalyst for this major regeneration project, which will deliver an immediate economic impact. The development will require 5,000+ construction employment years to complete the masterplan and could create space for 8,000 full-time equivalent jobs. The long-term redevelopment presents an opportunity to unlock £1bn of additional spend in the economy and to create a legacy of wider regeneration.

Sustainability is at the core of the Weavers Cross development and its relationship with Belfast Grand Central Station. Weavers Cross will benefit from a highly sustainable built environment, and the development’s location around a major integrated multi-modal transport hub supporting sustainable living.

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said:

“We welcome this announcement by Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee. Weavers Cross promises to complement the new Belfast Grand Central Station currently in construction, ensuring we see the full economic and social benefits of this major new integrated transport hub as part of a wider long-term masterplan.

“We are also committed to delivering on social value alongside our development partner, in areas such as employment and skills provision, diversity and inclusion, arts and heritage, health, well-being and the environment.  Social value will remain a key focus of the project throughout every stage of development."

He further explained the connection between Belfast Grand Central Station and Weavers Cross, saying:

“Across the world, multi-modal transport hubs like the new Belfast Grand Central Station are at the epicentre of growth and are increasingly seen as destinations for shopping, working, employment, education, living and socialising. As a highly sustainable mixed-use location, it has potential for regeneration, creating space for new homes and employment, with easy access to bus, rail and active travel connections across the city and beyond.

“The development of this major project will make it easier for people living and working at Weavers Cross to lead lives less dependent on the private car, driving modal shift to public and active transport and helping to achieve Northern Ireland’s climate ambitions. 

“We look forward to announcing our development partners who will work with us on the delivery of Weavers Cross, to deliver on this ambition over the coming years and will continue to work with all our stakeholders including Belfast City Council, and the local communities as the scheme progresses.” Chris concluded.

Director and Head of Strategic Communications, Ireland, John Davison added:

“We are delighted to have played a role supporting Translink’s planning approval as part of the wider expert team including Arup, Juno Planning and John McAslan + Partners. Grand Central Station and the wider Weaver’s Cross masterplan will have a transformational impact on the city of Belfast, and we were pleased to play our part in helping shape and share that vision through the public affairs support services our Strategic Communications service team in Belfast delivered, and the partnership approach of Translink and the wider project team.”

8 September 2022