Translink is set to begin work at Knockmore halt

The company has advised residents living near the site of the former South Eastern Regional College off the Knockmore Road that it will commence the demolition of the old buildings on Monday July 28.

The company plans to develop a new railway halt and Park & Ride for West Lisburn on the site, with secure parking for approximately 400 cars.

Louise Sterritt, Project Manager, Translink explained: “The Park & Ride project is currently at feasibility stage.

“A planning application for the project is still to be submitted and full funding is yet to be secured.

“It is expected that construction works for the Park and Ride will commence between late 2015 and early 2016, but this will be subject to funding being secured and planning permission being granted.”

The demolition work will be carried out by Cleary Contracting Ltd and prior to commencement, the site will be secured.

All works will take place during normal working hours and there will be steps in place to ensure noise disruption is minimised.

Access to the site will be off the existing entrance on Knockmore Road and Translink have said that demolition works should be completed by the end of September 2014.

“While we do not anticipate noise disruption, we have provided residents with contact numbers for the contractors,” added Ms Sterritt.

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig welcomed the start of work at the site.

“I had put pressure on Translink a couple of years ago to look at the feasibility of a stop and Park and Ride at that site,” he said. “It is good to see it coming to fruition.”

Lisburn Councillor Alexander Redpath has welcomed the investment.

“I think Lisburn is sorely in need of a park and ride service for NI Railways and I hope this development will lead to even higher passenger numbers.

“However I will be seeking assurances from Translink over the coming months that these pans don’t affect the future of the existing Lisburn station.

“The existing Lisburn station is of massive architectural importance and I believe it is very important to have a station serving the City Centre.

“Thankfully as these plans are at a very early stage there will be time to have these conversations before a final decision is made.”

Councillor Tim Mitchell added: “The provision of this new halt will enable many more motorists to leave their cars and travel into Lisburn and Belfast city centres.

“In addition it will significantly reduce the number of cars parked in the North Circular Road area, at Lisburn Station”