Field Visit of CILT Ireland to Belfast Grand Central Station, March 2026

Field Visit of CILT Ireland to Belfast Grand Central Station, March 2026

Report by Tom Ferris FCILT

1. Introduction

A delegation from CILT Ireland visited Belfast on 24 March 2026, led by CILT President Tim Hayes, FCILT. This field trip to Belfast Grand Central Station was part of the Institute’s ongoing programme of professional development and knowledge exchange. The visit, which was hosted by Translink, Northern Ireland, had several objectives:

• to offer direct insight into the new rail infrastructure investment in Belfast.

• to see how modern station design supports operational efficiency, passenger experience, and wider urban regeneration, and
• to learn how Translink is shaping the future of integrated, sustainable transport in Northern Ireland.

2. Presentations by Translink Management

Many of those on the delegation travelled to Belfast on the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise train. Translink Management briefed the delegation in the Station Conference Room on arrival. Chris Conway, Translink’s Group Chief Executive, opened the proceedings. In his remarks, Conway explained that Translink’s work is to plan, operate and improve Northern Ireland’s public transport network—bus, rail, and integrated services—so that communities can travel safely, reliably, and affordably. He outlined the organisation’s day‑to‑day focus on delivering thousands of services, maintaining, and renewing major public‑transport assets, and improving the customer experience through better stations, fleet upgrades, and simpler ticketing. Mr. Conway then had to leave the session to meet with Frank Allen, Chairman of Translink.

Three Translink presentations were given.

• Hilton Parr, Head of Rail Customer Services, outlined the positive developments taking place across Northern Ireland Railways, highlighting ongoing investment, service improvements, and the organisation’s focus on delivering a more dependable and customer‑focused rail services. Of particular significance is the hourly operation on the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise Rail Service, with new trains scheduled to be introduced in 2027, reducing journey times to under two hours.

• Phillip Woods, General Manager, Bus Services, outlined the different types of bus services being provided – Metro (operating high‑frequency urban bus services within Belfast and Greater Belfast);  Glider (Bus Rapid Transit System using high‑capacity articulated vehicles and services on a series of dedicated corridors), and Ulsterbus (providing regional and rural bus services across Northern Ireland, connecting towns, villages, and smaller communities with larger urban centres).

• Gary Marshall, Senior Infrastructure Stakeholder Engagement Manager, outlined the significant infrastructure developments that have been taking place under Translink’s mandate. In particular, he highlighted Translink’s engagement with a wide range of stakeholders affected by large transport schemes to ensure alignment and support during planning, transition, and delivery phases. In particular, he outlined the trojan work that had been undertaken to bring Belfast Central Rail Station into full operation (see next section).

3. Overview of the Station Development

Louise Doyle, Station Manager, Belfast Grand Central Station, showed the delegation around the enhanced station. It represents a significant investment in Northern Ireland’s public transport infrastructure. The station has been designed to accommodate increased passenger demand while supporting a shift towards more sustainable transport modes. Key features observed included modern concourse facilities, improved platform layouts, enhanced accessibility, and upgraded passenger information systems. The clear wayfinding, open concourse spaces, and real‑time information displays have contributed to a more efficient and user‑friendly environment.

By way of further information, it is appropriate to cite an article in the Arup Journal (Issue 1, 2025) which was dedicated to discussing the delivery of Belfast Grand Central Station. Specifically. the article commented that –

“The Belfast Grand Central Station, which opened in September 2024, is a new landmark for the city, providing a gateway for arriving visitors. The £340m project brings rail and bus services together in the city under one roof for the first time, and is the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland. In addition to streamlining journeys around the city and the wider region, the new station is supporting economic growth, encouraging visitors, cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality. The station has integrated seamlessly into Belfast’s existing transport network and is a catalyst for a wider regeneration of this area in the south-west of the city centre.”

The complete article can be accessed from the following weblink :-  https://www.arup.com/projects/the-arup-journal/the-arup-journal-2025-issue-1/

4. Overview

The field trip demonstrated how investment in rail stations can deliver benefits beyond transport alone, including urban regeneration, economic activity, and environmental sustainability. The enhanced Belfast Grand Central Station Belfast provides a strong example of how strategic infrastructure investment can align with wider policy goals such as modal shift, decarbonisation, and improved public realm. Overall. the visit was highly informative and valuable for those participating. It provided practical insights into contemporary rail station design, operations, and integration within a modern transport system. Many of the features observed represent best practice and could inform transport projects in an all-island context.

5. Acknowledgement

CILT President Tim Hayes acknowledged the cooperation and hospitality of Translink who facilitated the field trip and provided informative briefings throughout the visit. He noted that that field trips like this are invaluable for CILT members — enabling knowledge sharing, benchmarking of best practice, and supporting the continued development of world-class transport infrastructure across the island.