Work Starts On New Rapid Transit Service Facility

A new £20 million Service Centre for Rapid Transit vehicles is being built in Belfast.

The Milewater Service facility will transform public transport in the city with new modern, environmentally friendly hybrid buses and high quality bus ways.

Construction is being carried by Henry Brothers Limited. Work will take 15 months to complete and the centre is set to launch in August 2018.

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said: "BRT is an exciting new initiative which will deliver a new, modern, high quality, high frequency, sustainable public transport system for Belfast.

"The construction of this new 'Milewater Service Centre' is another step towards delivery of this important project for the city. It will ensure the new BRT hybrid vehicles are kept in first class condition and demonstrate a tangible sign of our commitment to delivering high standards of quality and excellence.

"The new facility will also bring new construction jobs, providing opportunities for new people to learn new skills. This is great news as it helps us to benefit the wider local economy.

"Sound environmental design is also being considered throughout this project from construction through to operational aspects with grey water harvesting, water recycling systems, solar panels and energy efficient lighting."

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nuala McAllister, added: "As part of the Belfast Agenda, a 20 year strategic vision for the city, we aim to have increased the population of the city by up to 70,000 and have created an additional 50,000 jobs. A fast reliable transport system which can effectively connect people and places is essential to drive economic growth for the city."

(LM/CD)