Translink has announced Sunday 8 September as the opening date of Belfast’s new £340 million Grand Central Station.
With the gradual opening of the new transport hub in the city, from this date the bus lines that normally operate from the Europa Bus Centre will also be relocated there.
Translink has yet to announce a date for the start of rail service to and from Grand Central Station.
Work on the transport hub has been ongoing since 2020. Construction work will intensify this summer, and disruptions to rail and bus services are expected to continue into the autumn.
The Europa Bus Centre will close its doors on Saturday 7 September.
Translink Group CEO Chris Conway said the new station would be opened in phases, with the public being able to see the progress for the first time on Sunday 8 September.
Mr Conway said: “This is a really exciting milestone for everyone. The new station and associated railway, signalling and public spaces are a game changer that will inspire people to use more sustainable transport options and create a better connected, cleaner and healthier region for all.
“There will be a number of changes for passengers over the coming weeks as we gradually resume bus and train services. These changes will be carefully planned to allow all necessary commissioning and testing work to be completed, to allow services to be ramped up, to give the public time to become familiar with the new station and to facilitate ongoing public realm works.
“This opening is an important milestone in the project and marks the next step in transforming Northern Ireland’s public transport system. Over the coming year, the roadworks programme to improve pedestrian access around the new station will continue before the overall project is fully completed.
“We are delighted to be able to offer visitors and passengers a great welcome and would like to thank everyone for their patience and support. We know there is a lot of interest and anticipation for the new facility, which will help unlock the true potential of our region as a great place to live, work and visit.”
Translink has announced that the railway line between Lisburn and Lanyon Place in Belfast will remain closed due to associated engineering works. Replacement bus services will continue until further notice.
In addition, the company has announced a series of information events for the public to be held at the Europa Bus Centre and stations across the North in late August and early September to help the public plan their journeys over the coming weeks.
