Lord Mayor marks the name change of the new Lanyon Place Station

by Gráinne Connolly

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey has officially "cut the ribbon" to mark the name change of the new Lanyon Place Station in the city.

New signage is now in place, alongside the completion of the new modern frontage. 

Formerly known as Belfast Central, the £1 million project, which commenced earlier this year, has seen the outside of the station transformed. 

The Lanyon Placename is taken from the surrounding 'Lanyon' area, which is named after the Victorian Architect Sir Charles Lanyon.

The Council and Translink thought it " better reflects the station's location at the heart of the bustling" area, which thousands of people pass everyday.

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said:

‘‘Attractive, high quality facilities play an important role in encouraging more and more people to use public transport. 

"Key features of these significant works at Lanyon Place include a modern, glazed frontage along with forthcoming enhancements to the ticketing area, and improved retail/café offerings.

“Our Project team and contractors have worked hard to progress the scheme to coincide with the introduction of the new Glider service on 3September, which will stop in Lanyon Place, thus ensuring greater access, integration and connectivity for passengers.

"We have also worked with Department for Infrastructure to enhance the external footpaths, providing an improved and welcoming approach to the station.

“Over2.8million passengers used the station last year, and we’re confident that our proximity to the Lanyon Placedevelopment will help usencourage more passengers to travel by rail.

‘‘The investment in Lanyon Place Station is another milestone in delivering Translink’s vision to be your first choice for travel in Northern Ireland while also helpingto boost the ongoing regeneration and development of the local area”.

(Chris Conway, Translink, Moira Doherty, DFI, Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey).

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, said:

“Improving connectivity across Belfast, and beyond, is a prime aim of the Belfast Agenda, the council’s long-term development plan for Belfast.

“As well as attracting foreign investment we also want to see more local investment such as Translink have done here at Lanyon Place.

“I am sure Belfast, as well as Translink, will see a return on this investment and the introduction of the new Glider service.

"Any increase in people using public transport will improve the air quality and our general environment as well as boosting the health of those who live in, work or visit Belfast,” added the Lord Mayor.

Moira Doherty, Department for Infrastructure Director of Public Transport said:

“Encouraging people to make sustainable travel choices is a key ambition in the draft Programme for Government. 

"To achieve this, we need to have the right infrastructure in place so I welcome this impressive refurbishment project. 

"The enhanced facilities at the new Lanyon Place Station will improve the overall passenger experience, attract more people to use the services and contribute to the economic development of the area.

"The Department is committed to making public transport accessible for all, so it is also hugely important that the upgraded station will include a Changing Places facility, enabling more disabled people to travel with confidence. 

“With the Belfast Rapid Transit Glider service set to ‘go-live’ next week, this is an exciting time for public transport. 

"The new service which represents an investment of over £90million from the Department will further enhance the image of Belfast and inspire more people to use public transport.”