ABOUT THE STATION AS IT WAS IN 2011
In 2011 when I travelled to Belfast the Enterprise Express broke down just after crossing the border and as we were stuck between stations my arrival into Central Railway Station be about three hours late and it was an unpleasant experience for a variety of reasons.
Despite its name, Belfast Central Station was not actually located in the central part of Belfast. The name was a bit of a misnomer, leading to confusion for both residents and visitors.
There are a few reasons why it was named Central:
Historical Context: The station was opened in 1976 on the site of the former Belfast Central Railway, which had its own history and significance. The name may have been chosen to honour this legacy.
Operational Hub: The station served as a central hub for Northern Ireland Railways (NIR), with many of its services originating or terminating there. This central role in the railway network might have influenced the name choice.
Aspirational Name: The name "Central" might have been chosen to reflect the station's intended role as a major transportation hub for Belfast and the surrounding region. It could have been seen as a way to project a more prominent and significant image for the station.
However, the name's inaccuracy became increasingly apparent over time, especially as the city's centre shifted and the station's location became less central. This ultimately led to the decision to rename the station Lanyon Place in 2018, reflecting the surrounding area's development and the legacy of architect Sir Charles Lanyon, who designed many of Belfast's iconic buildings.
Belfast Central Railway Station in 2011 was a bustling hub of activity, serving as the northern terminus for the Enterprise cross-border service to Dublin Connolly. The station, located on East Bridge Street in the city centre, was one of four stations serving Belfast, along with Great Victoria Street, City Hospital, and Botanic.
The Enterprise service, a joint operation between Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), offered a vital link between Belfast and Dublin. However, the service was limited to departures every two hours (or less frequently at certain times), which often left passengers with long waits and limited flexibility in their travel plans. Additionally, the service was known for occasional delays and cancellations, causing frustration for commuters and travellers alike.
Despite these shortcomings, Belfast Central remained a crucial transportation hub for the city, connecting passengers to various destinations across Northern Ireland, including Derry, Bangor, Portadown, and Larne. The station featured multiple platforms, a ticket office, waiting areas, and basic amenities for travellers.
However, even in 2011, plans were underway for a major transformation of Belfast's railway infrastructure. A new "super station" was in the works, intended to replace Belfast Central as the terminus for the Enterprise service. This new station, slated to open within the next few years, would offer increased capacity, improved facilities, and a more efficient connection to the city centre. Moreover, the frequency of the Enterprise service was expected to increase, providing a more convenient and reliable option for travel between Belfast and Dublin.
The redevelopment of Belfast Central Railway Station reflected a broader trend of investment in transportation infrastructure across Northern Ireland. The goal was to create a more modern, efficient, and accessible railway network that could better serve the needs of the region's growing population and economy. While the station in 2011 may have had its limitations, it represented a crucial stepping stone towards a more connected and prosperous future for Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole.
Despite its name, Belfast Central Station was not actually located in the central part of Belfast. The name was a bit of a misnomer, leading to confusion for both residents and visitors.
There are a few reasons why it was named Central:
Historical Context: The station was opened in 1976 on the site of the former Belfast Central Railway, which had its own history and significance. The name may have been chosen to honour this legacy.
Operational Hub: The station served as a central hub for Northern Ireland Railways (NIR), with many of its services originating or terminating there. This central role in the railway network might have influenced the name choice.
Aspirational Name: The name "Central" might have been chosen to reflect the station's intended role as a major transportation hub for Belfast and the surrounding region. It could have been seen as a way to project a more prominent and significant image for the station.
However, the name's inaccuracy became increasingly apparent over time, especially as the city's centre shifted and the station's location became less central. This ultimately led to the decision to rename the station Lanyon Place in 2018, reflecting the surrounding area's development and the legacy of architect Sir Charles Lanyon, who designed many of Belfast's iconic buildings.
Belfast Central Railway Station in 2011 was a bustling hub of activity, serving as the northern terminus for the Enterprise cross-border service to Dublin Connolly. The station, located on East Bridge Street in the city centre, was one of four stations serving Belfast, along with Great Victoria Street, City Hospital, and Botanic.
The Enterprise service, a joint operation between Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), offered a vital link between Belfast and Dublin. However, the service was limited to departures every two hours (or less frequently at certain times), which often left passengers with long waits and limited flexibility in their travel plans. Additionally, the service was known for occasional delays and cancellations, causing frustration for commuters and travellers alike.
Despite these shortcomings, Belfast Central remained a crucial transportation hub for the city, connecting passengers to various destinations across Northern Ireland, including Derry, Bangor, Portadown, and Larne. The station featured multiple platforms, a ticket office, waiting areas, and basic amenities for travellers.
However, even in 2011, plans were underway for a major transformation of Belfast's railway infrastructure. A new "super station" was in the works, intended to replace Belfast Central as the terminus for the Enterprise service. This new station, slated to open within the next few years, would offer increased capacity, improved facilities, and a more efficient connection to the city centre. Moreover, the frequency of the Enterprise service was expected to increase, providing a more convenient and reliable option for travel between Belfast and Dublin.
The redevelopment of Belfast Central Railway Station reflected a broader trend of investment in transportation infrastructure across Northern Ireland. The goal was to create a more modern, efficient, and accessible railway network that could better serve the needs of the region's growing population and economy. While the station in 2011 may have had its limitations, it represented a crucial stepping stone towards a more connected and prosperous future for Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole.
ABOUT THE STATION AS IT WAS IN 2011