US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, Joe Kennedy visited the Weavers Cross site today (22nd June) to learn more about this significant transport-led regeneration project and the investment opportunities available.
The new dynamic city neighbourhood which promises to bring circa 1.3 million square feet of mixed-use space to a strategic location in the city, with the new iconic Belfast Grand Central station at its heart. The development is set to be a key economic driver for Belfast and for Northern Ireland. It will be delivered by Translink alongside a private sector development partner soon to be announced.
The US Special Envoy viewed construction of the new state of the art station, set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub, which is rapidly becoming a distinctive landmark in the city as work progresses at pace.
Speaking at the event Joe Kennedy, US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland said, “What I’ve seen today is a dynamic and ambitious transport hub that will be the envy of many cities across the United States. On opening, Belfast Grand Central Station will cater for 20 million annual passenger journeys, acting as a powerful engine for growth, bringing in people from all over the island by bus and train, including across the UK’s only land border with the EU.
“Yet its benefits will run much deeper than efficient transport links.
“The new surrounding city neighbourhood ‘Weavers Cross’ will bring circa 1.3 million square feet of mixed-use space to a strategic location in the city. It will be a catalyst for employment and innovation which will deliver on the Department for Economy’s 10X Economy Strategy. Through mixed-use residential and commercial opportunities, it will offer a unique eco-system for investment, economic growth, prosperity and help meet Northern Ireland’s climate ambitions.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said, “We were delighted to showcase Weavers Cross today as one of the largest investment opportunities in Northern Ireland. With Belfast Grand Central Station well underway, it will be a significant catalyst for regeneration through reconnection. Together with our development partner, we are ambitious to deliver a highly sustainable mixed-use location for investment, through creating space for residential and commercial opportunities, providing employment, all within easy access to bus, rail and active travel connections across the city and beyond.
“This important NI Executive flagship project will also drive modal shift, while supporting economic growth, prosperity and NI’s climate ambitions. We would like to thank the US Special Envoy for his support for our plans and vision to attract investment to this exciting transport led regeneration project at Weavers Cross.”
