Date set for first Grand Central Station services

Testing is taking place for the first trains at the station

The date has been set for the first services from the new Belfast Grand Central Station.

Bus services currently operating from the Europa Buscentre will run from the new station from 8 September.

Train services will follow, with the date still to be confirmed.

Public realm work around the station will continue into 2025.

'Exciting milestone'

Staff are being trained in preparation for the move, alongside a testing, training and commissioning programme for the connecting rail line and new signalling technology.

Translink chief executive Chris Conway said it was "a really exciting milestone".

"The new station, and associated railway, signalling and public realm is a game changer set to inspire people to use more sustainable transport options creating a better connected, cleaner and healthier region for everyone," he said.

A programme is under way to connect the new rail line

"We know there has been much interest and anticipation in the new facility which is set to help unlock the true potential of our region as a great place to live, work and visit."

Belfast's new transport hub

Construction work on Grand Central Station is in its final stages.

The hub is situated near the current Europa Bus Centre and Great Victoria Street rail station, which closed earlier in the year.

It will have 26 bus stands and eight train platforms as well as facilities for bicycles and taxis.

Translink say the new station would cater for up to 20 million passenger journeys a year.

Early predictions had put the cost of delivering the project at £200m.

In April, the cost was reported to have risen to £340m.