Gravis Planning supports Translink with celebration of Great Victoria Street Station’s last day of service

The original station at Great Victoria Street opened in 1839 and played a significant role in several key moments throughout history including in both World Wars, facilitating ambulance trains in WW1 and American troops in training for D-Day during WW2. Since re-opening in 1995 it has been part of the daily lives of many and brought rail services back to the heart of Belfast.

Translink kicked off the day at Great Victoria Street by welcoming a number of local primary schools, where pupils took part in railway-themed workshops and activities. Morning commuters, local people and rail enthusiasts arriving in their numbers were also treated to a concert from the Translink Choir, followed by a live broadcast of the Cool FM Roadshow hosted by Pete Snodden from the thoroughfare of the station. The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra String Quartet then performed into the evening as the time neared for the last ever train to depart from Great Victoria Street shortly before midnight, which was filled with hundreds of passengers who wanted to be part of this final moment in what was a historic day.

The opening of the new Belfast Grand Central Station will significantly increase both rail and bus capacity and the ability to have more services for passengers travelling to destinations across Northern Ireland and beyond. The development also comes with a significant package of public realm improvements to encourage more active travel and includes a new high-quality civic space known as Saltwater Square.

We are delighted to be part of delivering what will be the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland alongside a transformative public realm project and will continue to provide Strategic Communications and Social Value support to Translink to full completion of the Belfast Grand Central Station project.