Final call for passengers (and staff ) at Great Victoria Street station

The end of an era as historic Belfast rail hub closes after being in operation for 200 years

TRANSLINK staff and passengers described the closure of Great Victoria Street train station after 200 years in operation as “a bittersweet moment”.

The last train left at 11.32pm last night.

Customers paying their fare for the final time at the historic hub were surprised with a commemorative ticket to mark the momentous day, which paves the way for the opening of Grand Central Station in the autumn.

They also enjoyed being serenaded by the Translink Choir and a string quartet as they received a special souvenir brochure allowing them to take a trip down memory lane and learn more about the station’s role during two world wars and the industrial revolution.

Sam Manley (73), who uses the station up to five times a week, was among those who stopped to sign the ‘goodbye wall’.

He expressed concern about the impact of the closure, but acknowledged it is needed in the name of progress.

“People depend on the connectivity here with buses and the city centre so close by, especially the elderly and disabled,” he said.

“It’s going to be hard on them. I’ll miss the mall and the food and coffee on offer.”

The original railway terminal, called Glengall Place, opened in August 1839 to provide a service to Lisburn. It was renamed Belfast Victoria Street in 1852 and then rebranded again to Belfast Great Victoria Street in 1856.

Prior to the opening of the Europa Hotel in 1971, part of the original building was demolished. The rest was damaged by two separate bombings a year later.

In 1976, it was closed when rail services moved to the newly-constructed Belfast Central Station, now known as Lanyon Place. It opened again in September 1995 after the Europa Bus Centre and Great Northern Mall were built.

Translink chief executive Chris Conway said it was important “to mark history”.

“Lots of people have stories from over the years,” he added.

“Staff and customers want to come along to share those tales.”

Mr Conway said he understands why the hub means so much to people.

“A few people have come who were here when the station reopened in 1995, including staff.

“Some have brought their commemorative ticket from then and have been talking about the challenges they faced at that time,” he added.

“The Europa and Great Victoria Street has been a big part of my life during my nine years with Translink. So, for me, it’s a bittersweet moment.

“One gentleman who picked up a drawing of the original station from the 1800s has brought it along which shows the contrast between then and now.”

Retired bus driver Albert Phillips, aged in his 70s, bagged the bargain in a charity shop in his home city of Bangor.

“It was hanging on the wall and I recognised it straight away,” he recalled.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out it was only £3 and it’s been hanging on my living room wall ever since.”

Mr Phillips spent the day in his former workplace hoping to bump into old friends.

Translink’s director of service operations also reflected on the role Great Victoria Street has played in his 25-year career with the company.

Ian Campbell hailed the station’s role in ushering in “the renaissance of railways” in Northern Ireland.

“What I remember the most is the fantastic and dedicated people who have worked here over the years,” he said.

“We’ve also had some good customers during that time and have seen passenger numbers go from five million to 14 million.

“It’s sad, but it’s also a really exciting milestone.”

The Europa Bus Centre will remain operational until the opening of Belfast Grand Central Station. Rail lines between Lanyon Place and Lisburn are set to close later in the summer with enhanced bus services and park and ride facilities planned to help mitigate disruption.