‘A bittersweet moment’: Great Victoria Street station closes after almost 200 years

The last train to Bangor is set to leave at 11.32pm with hundreds expected to be on board including rail enthusiasts, historians and regular travellers.

Customers paying their fare for the last 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’ on his way home.

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.

“It’s like wearing an old pair of shoes that you complain about — it’s only when the sole falls out that you appreciate them.

“People don’t like change, it brings fear. But if you don’t have change you don’t get progress and if we are going to move forward we need progress.”

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.

Then 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” as he reflected on the significant role the hub has played in so many lives.

“Lots of people have stories from over the years,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.

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

“People who are interested in railways want to see the last train going out so we expect lots of people to come along for that.”

Many customers had booked tickets in advance to ensure they are part of Translink’s journey into the future.

Mr Conway said he understands why the hub is so meaningful to people.

“A few people have come along who were here when the station re-opened 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 in Co Down.

“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 and colleagues.

“I brought the picture with me in case anyone wants to see it,” he said.

“I’ll miss the last train going out — but I wanted to be here before that and enjoy the atmosphere.”

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 NI.

“I have a lot of memories here,” he added.

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

“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.”

Meanwhile, Translink inspector Blaithin Irvine expressed sadness about leaving the station which many staff have become attached to.

“Things are moving forward and it’s definitely needed, it’s a positive thing, but it’s going to be different,” she added.

“We have got to know our passengers really well too and they are sad as well."

Ms Irvine was anticipating an emotional moment on the platform before the final train departed on Friday night.

“Once it goes, it goes — that’s it,” she said.

Senior customer service employee Gary McConaghy has been based at the hub since he started with the company almost nine years ago.

He was enjoying catching up with colleagues who have moved on, but returned to the station to be a part of the momentous day.

“It’s nice to see them again — there’s a sadness, but there’s also a sense of excitement about the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Translink route manager Gemma McMurray, who has been busy with the significant planning required for part one of the summer blockade phase of the project, was committed to being on the platform to see off the last train.

“It was quite acute coming around the curve into Great Victoria Street this morning when I realised it was the last time,” she said.

“There’s a bit of nostalgia there.”

Passenger Michael Ferguson was delighted to be part of history as he made his way to Lisburn this afternoon with his special ticket.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” he said.

“I’ll keep it and look at it in years to come.

“I’ll miss the station because I like coming into town, it will be strange.”

Commuter Heather Smyth, from Bangor, was also pleasantly surprised with her souvenir stub.

“I’m delighted — it’s great to have and something I will always keep,” she said.

“It could make a nice bookmark.”

Ms Smyth admitted she will miss the station which provides easy access to the city centre, but acknowledged that “progress is needed”.

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.