Translink and key stakeholders who contributed to the design of accessibility features within Belfast Grand Central Station have launched a new Accessibility Guide available both to download and in audio.
The guide to help passengers journey plan and navigate Belfast Grand Central Station was launched at an event where the key stakeholders who had helped shape it visited the new hub for a preview before it opened to the general public on Sunday, September 8.
The guide highlights the various inclusivity measures at the station which were designed in collaboration with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), Royal National Institute of Blind People Northern Ireland (RNIB) and Guide Dogs Northern Ireland.
The state-of-the-art integrated transport hub for trains, coaches and buses opened its doors for bus operations on September 8, 2024 with trains to follow at a later date and offer an enhanced user experience for up to 20 million customer journeys annually.
IMTAC’s Michael Lorimer has called the station: “an exemplar in accessibility,” with its Changing Places Toilets, sensory spaces, innovative wayfinding systems, assistance dog spending area and wheelchair-accessible vehicle parking.
Some of the other innovations in place include lowered information desks, interactive tablets on the front information desk, a tactile floor and new priority seating signs on seats.
A Sensory Nook will also be added and sensory packs available from the outset.
Sensory packs are a new feature to support those with ASD and dementia and includes products to help manage sensory overload, reduce anxiety and support communication barriers to make the transport experience within the station more comfortable.
A package be obtained by requesting it from our customer information desk.
Danielle Campbell, Translink’s Accessibility Manager for Belfast Grand Central Station, said: “We want to thank all the organisations who helped us design the new station and ensure it is accessible to as many people as possible.”
“We look forward to welcoming them to Belfast Grand Central Station which, beyond transport, will ensure Northern Ireland is Better Connected today and for future generations.”
Robert Shilliday, Country Director of RNIB in Northern Ireland, said: “At RNIB we are pleased to be involved in the creation of the Translink Accessibility Guide for the new Belfast Grand Central Station.”
He pointed out: “There are approximately 57,500 blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland, many of whom use public transport on a regular basis – to connect with friends, go shopping, commute to work and attend important health appointments.
“Using public transport and navigating public spaces can be an anxious time for some blind and partially sighted people.
“Any changes to travel plans or navigating a new station can leave people feeling nervous and reluctant to travel independently.
“However, Translink’s Accessibility Guide provides a wealth of information on purchasing tickets, bespoke journey information and accessibility features contained within the new station and practical advice on navigating around the building.
“We are pleased to have worked with Translink on this guide, and hope that people from the sight loss community find it a valuable resource and one that supports them to get out there and make whatever journey they need to.”
Similarly, Hannah Lyons, Guide Dogs NI Policy and Campaigns Manager, said: “At Guide Dogs, we are thrilled to have played a key role in the development of the accessibility features at Belfast Grand Central Station.
“Our collaboration with Translink has ensured that the needs of people with sight loss are fully integrated into the design of this landmark transport hub.
“The inclusion of full internal tactile paths and innovative tools like NaviLens and the dedicated Assistance Dog Spending Area exemplifies a commitment to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate confidently and independently.
“This project is a significant step forward in making public transport more inclusive, and Guide Dogs are proud to have contributed to such an important initiative.
“Looking ahead, we are pleased that Translink remains committed to offering ongoing training and familiarisation opportunities for their passengers with sight loss, empowering them to navigate this new station with confidence and ease.”
Michelle Kelly, Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland added: “Ensuring transport is accessible for everyone is a priority for the Consumer Council.
“We are pleased that deaf, disabled and older people have been involved in the design of Grand Central Station and welcome the incorporation of a range of accessibility features which will improve customer experience.
“We will continue to work with Translink to ensure accessibility is at the forefront of new and upgraded station design and improvements.”
Users were also positive about the new station and its accessibility features.
Joe Kenny who is visually impaired, said: “I really liked how the tactile flooring started right at the entrance and went to every single bus stand.
“It has a simple but effective navigation feel.
“I also liked that there was braille on the toilet doors.”
Wheelchair user Barbara Fleming said: “I am really impressed with the new station.
“I think it is great and am really happy that Translink listened to what we had to say when designing it.
“I feel that my voice was heard and they really took everything on board.”
The guide is available here https://www.translink.co.uk/usingtranslink/stationguide/belfastgrandcentralstation.
An audio version can be accessed here: Your Audio Guide to Accessibility at Belfast Grand Central Station (youtube.com).
