Demolition of Boyne Bridge Linked to Belfast’s Grand Central Station Halted
Demolition work on the Boyne Bridge has been paused due to planning issues, raising concerns about the future of the project.
Belfast, Boyne Bridge, Grand Central Station, Translink, Planning Issues
Belfast: So, it looks like the demolition of the Boyne Bridge has hit a snag. The BBC Nolan Show shared that an investigation into planning issues kicked off last month. This was initiated by the Department of Infrastructure, which is in charge of the station redevelopment.
Demolition work started back in December, with heavy machinery on-site to get things moving. They were supposed to wrap it up by the end of this month, but now that’s up in the air.
A letter from Stormont’s solicitor’s office, dated January 9, confirmed that the investigation began in early December. Apparently, there were some planning conditions that weren’t being followed, which is why the demolition has been paused.
The Boyne Bridge, located near Sandy Row, is being taken down as part of the redevelopment around the new Grand Central Station. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
John Anderson, who’s the vice chairman of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, got that letter after they filed a complaint. He wasn’t shocked by the news and thinks it’ll be a while before work starts up again.
He mentioned that the planning condition is pretty straightforward: no work should start until there’s a solid traffic plan in place. And clearly, that’s not happening right now. They’re focused on preserving the bridge because it’s a significant piece of Belfast’s history.
Plus, keeping the bridge would help with traffic flow and give pedestrians a safe route from Great Victoria Street to the new station without crossing any roads.
Belfast’s Boyne Bridge yesterday. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
There were protests against the bridge’s removal before the work even started. Back in October, the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society even went to the High Court to try and stop the demolition.
They argued that the bridge should be saved because of its historical significance. But a judge allowed the closure of Durham Street to proceed.
Mr. Anderson added that Translink has been misleading about the need to tear down the bridge from the start. He believes there’s no real reason to demolish it since it’s not connected to the station’s construction or operation.
Translink released a statement saying they’re still working on the bridge’s dismantlement and are making sure key parts will be reused in the new civic space, Saltwater Square.
They’re trying to keep everything on track while working with stakeholders to meet the planning requirements. They promise to dismantle the bridge as quickly as they can.
Belfast’s Boyne Bridge yesterday. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Watch: Diggers start to dismantle the Boyne Bridge.
In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, the Department for Infrastructure said they’re looking into the work that started on the Boyne Bridge last year. The Chief Planner has already reached out to Translink about the investigation.
They’ll keep processing applications related to Grand Central Station and are in talks with Translink to ensure they meet the necessary planning conditions.
Local SDLP councillor Carl Whyte mentioned he noticed things have been pretty quiet at the site.
He pointed out that DFI needs to be sure there’s a proper traffic management plan in place. He’s questioning why the work started without one.
They initially said the work would be done by January, but now it’s almost the end of the month. When will it actually be finished?
Today’s news isn’t great, but it was clear to anyone that there wasn’t a solid traffic plan. DFI and Translink need to sort this out quickly.
Belfast’s Boyne Bridge yesterday. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Translink has been contacted by this newspaper for further comments.
The original bridge is thought to have been built back in 1611 over what was then the Blackstaff River. It was replaced in 1642 by the Great Bridge of Belfast, later known as the Saltwater Bridge.
Legend has it that King William of Orange crossed the old bridge in June 1690 on his way to the Boyne, while King James II is also said to have retreated along that same route.
The modern Boyne Bridge was built in the 1930s, incorporating parts of the earlier structures.
In a previous statement, Translink mentioned that the Durham Street area would be closed for up to 12 months as they carefully dismantle the existing 1936 Durham Street/Boyne Bridge to safely complete the first phase of the street works for the new station.