The journey starts here weaverscross.co.uk

WEAVERS CROSS A New Destination in the Heart of TRANSLINK - WHO WE ARE

Translink is ’s primary public transport provider and owner of the associated infrastructure and property portfolio.

The Translink group consists of the be operational by the end of 2024 and Northern Ireland Transport Holding will sit at the heart of the Weavers Cross Company (‘NITHC’), which owns and neighbourhood. 84m controls a number of private limited subsidiary companies including Belfast passenger journeys, , and Northern Ireland A £90m+ project to deliver Belfast’s bus rapid equivalent to Railways, together branded as ‘Translink’. transport system launched in September 2018, providing fast and reliable services the population of As providers of an essential public service connecting East and West Belfast, Titanic in Northern Ireland, and as a responsible Quarter and key locations of economic and Northern Ireland leader, Translink is committed to leading social activity in and every week cleaner transport solutions to encourage beyond. The existing Glider route (Phase 1) more sustainable, active travel, by helping is located within 300m of Weavers Cross to tackle the current climate emergency and following the great success of the and growing concerns around air quality initial phase, plans are in development for to create healthier, greener towns and Phase 2, linking North and South Belfast via cities while enhancing the wellbeing of the the city centre. The 2nd phase will also run local communities we serve. close by Weavers Cross and will enhance connections to health, education, leisure 1,400 Providing high quality public transport and job facilities and improve economic fleet of buses, not only enables our region to thrive in return in Belfast City centre, extending developing competitive cities and regions. right across the city region. Metro coaches and trains On an individual level, we give people choices, freedom and more opportunities North West Transport Hub in terms of business, education, shopping, doing 44 million The Victorian Grade B-listed Waterside travel, tourism and leisure pursuits. miles per year Train Station has been restored as an integrated active travel transport hub and Major Projects gateway for ~Londonderry and the Translink is making major investments in both wider North West region. Representing its fleet and its estate, right across Northern an investment of approximately £27m, Ireland, which will enhance the offering of the facility has been operational since the and in turn the October 2019. Weavers Cross regeneration project. 300 The Translink Future miles of rail track, Belfast Transport Hub Ticketing System (TFTS) This £multi-million flagship project, TFTS will provide customers with better including bridges, prioritised by the Northern Ireland integration, flexibility and convenience. culverts, level Executive for funding, recognises the Key enhancements will include contactless strategic importance of the Belfast credit/debit card payments, mobile and app crossings and Transport Hub in the economic growth payments, an ePurse Stored Value ‘Oyster of the city and Northern Ireland. The style’ Smartcard; and 280 ticket vending signals valued at construction of the Belfast Transport Hub, machines and gated rail stations. TFTS will over £3bn which commenced in February 2020, is transform our passenger experience, meet recognised as fully supporting the delivery changing customer needs and attract of the Programme for Government. more people on board our services. Ulsterbus Urby The Transport Hub itself is expected to

2 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 3 1million passenger journeys every year along the Belfast- corridor on flagship cross-border rail service Enterprise.

Enterprise

Decarbonising Northern Enterprise Service Ireland’s Public Transport Enhancements Network The Belfast to Dublin train service, Translink is working to deliver ambitious branded as Enterprise, is to relocate to plans to decarbonise Northern Ireland’s Weavers Cross on completion of the public transport infrastructure and bring a Belfast Transport Hub. Operated jointly by step change in environmental standards. Translink and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) The first hydrogen fuelled vehicles in a Strategic Development Plan, “Better Ireland are due to be in passenger service Connecting Dublin and Belfast”, has in Belfast by the end of 2020, with plans for been developed to build and strengthen additional zero and low emission vehicles the economic links along this strategic to be introduced into the fleet over the corridor. This will build competitiveness coming years. We aim to operate all and increase close communication links Belfast Metro services with zero-emission between both capital cities, aligning with vehicles by 2030 and the entire fleet both Programmes for Government to support the growth of public transport. by 2040. Glider The plan will also deliver social and environmental benefits by decongesting New Trains Phase 3 roads, promoting all-Ireland tourism and Over recent years, Translink has been reducing carbon emissions. transforming its rail fleet and the third phase of activity will deliver 21 new railway carriages, providing an extra 2,000 seats across the NI Railways network. This will work to enhance capacity on key routes, particularly at peak times. The carriages are expected to enter service during 2022 and demonstrate Translink’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience.

NI Railways NorthWest Transport Hub

4 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 5 THE OPPORTUNITY

The proposed development at Weavers Cross, presents an exciting, unique opportunity to transform and regenerate a brownfield site to create a new destination and gateway to Belfast City.

Translink is seeking a master-developer and opportunity, supporting both business Private Sector Partner (PSP) with the and tourism and access to Belfast. It financial means and relevant experience, will create a vibrant link to the “Eds and skills and resources to realise the Vision Meds” institutions nearby including 3 major Key features of the opportunity for Weavers Cross. The PSP must be able hospitals, 2 universities and a number of to demonstrate, long-term partnership higher education establishments, opening Circa. 1.3m sq.ft. working approaches, creativity and a up a wide and diverse talent pool eager detailed understanding of how best to to work, live and socialise in this new Estimated GDV £380m deliver Weavers Cross, while exhibiting destination, Weavers Cross. Contractual Joint Venture strong social value credentials, to deliver tangible and lasting positive social, Weavers Cross will drive economic growth 160,000 sq.ft. GEA Transport Hub at heart of development area economic and environmental impact. and development through the provision of new, high quality commercial office space Saltwater Square: significant public realm commitment The proposed development at Weavers in Belfast, providing modern economic Cross, presents an exciting, unique infrastructure and the opportunities for Major mixed-use development scheme including offices, residential, opportunity to transform and regenerate businesses to invest and grow. Due to the hotel and ancillary retail/leisure a brownfield site to create a new uniqueness of the site situated beside the destination and gateway to Belfast City. main Transport Hub in Northern Ireland, it Strong political and community support is anticipated that Weavers Cross will have The inspired name ‘Weavers Cross’ was an advantage in attracting new entrants borne out from consultation with local over other locations. communities, reflecting the area’s rich industrial heritage and geography. Weavers Cross will establish a new dynamic ‘city neighbourhood’ and connect the new transport hub, city centre and surrounding communities through the regeneration of the wider area. At the centre of this new ‘city £1billion+ neighbourhood’ will sit the Belfast Transport Hub, designed to enhance additional spending local and international connectivity with bus, coach and rail links across in the economy* Northern Ireland and beyond. This will connect people with people, place *Fine Margins Report 2020 by CBI and Oxford Economics

6 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 7 THE VISION

Weavers Cross offers a truly unequalled opportunity to develop 1.3+ million sq.ft. of office-led, mixed use space, right in the thriving heart of Belfast – a fast-growing city with a young age profile, a growing knowledge economy and a diverse occupier base.

Within a few minutes’ walk of the passenger journeys annually. The Belfast commercial, retail and hospitality centre Transport Hub will act as a powerful engine of Northern Ireland’s capital city, Weavers for energy and growth, bringing in people Cross is also within an established Eds from all over the island by train and bus, & Meds innovation arc and is closely including across the UK’s only land border integrated with local communities that with the EU. Work on this fully publicly are ready and willing to grow. And located funded asset is already underway, enjoying at the very heart of Weavers Cross itself strong political support and led by Translink, will be Translink’s new Transport Hub - a a solid partner for the private sector and hightech focal point for bus, rail and owner of the majority of the land required active travel that will cater for 20 million to make Weavers Cross a reality.

With the Transport Hub catalyst This new city neighbourhood will Weavers Cross is widely at its heart, Weavers Cross will provide a high quality, dynamic recognised as a key driver for itself, act as the catalyst for the and imaginative mixed-use major infrastructure, economic regeneration of the wider area development and will represent and social improvements right within South and West Belfast. an exciting step-change in across Belfast and is rightly It will transform the lives of terms of quality, inclusiveness considered one of the most local communities, city citizens and outcomes for large mixed- important opportunities in and visitors alike, providing use development schemes Northern Ireland for the next commercial returns, place- in Northern Ireland. The 10 years. making and positive social connected location, the energy and environmental impacts. and the quality of buildings and public spaces, coupled Weavers Cross will build on with the drive for innovation the well established business and sustainability, will inspire and community connections those who work and live there, already in place through the capitalising on local assets and Belfast Transport Hub Project. improving the quality of life and opportunities for everyone.

8 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 9 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

THETHE LOCATION LOCATION

North Belfast CITY AIRPORT Northern Ireland offers investors exactly what

TITANIC BELFAST they are looking for – an educated workforce

Titanic Quarter that is smart, innovative and results-driven.

SSE ARENA People who will go the extra mile to make sure your operation UNIVERSITY is a success. Combining this with a superb infrastructure, Cathedral competitive costs and excellent support packages and you West Belfast Quarter have the ideal location.

City Centre ICC BELFAST Key facts about Northern Ireland STORMONT

BELFAST CITY HALL East Belfast One of the four constituent nations of the ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL CBD Population of 1.8 million people Linen One of the youngest populations in Europe, 53% under the age of 40 Quarter 13,600 sq.km. in size, accounting for 6% of the total UK land area BELFAST CITY HOSPITAL Three airports with regular direct flights to the UK and Europe Queen’s Quarter Modern road and rail network QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY 100 gigabyte per second telecoms link between Northern Ireland, Europe and North America

South Belfast

EDINBURGH GLASGOW

Located between mainland Europe DERRY BELFAST

ECONOMIC and the US, Northern Ireland is CORRIDOR MANCHESTER ideally situated for access to key DUBLIN markets across GB, Republic of BIRMINGHAM CORK

Ireland, Europe and USA. CARDIFF LONDON

10 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 11 Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, the city forms part of the 2 largest urban area in Northern international airports within 30 minutes’ of Ireland and is one of the largest Belfast City centre commercial centres.

Connectivity Research & Innovation Belfast has developed into one of Ireland’s Belfast is world leading in terms of premier business cities with the largest financial services, creative industries and employed population in the region. More technology centres, and a quality of life recently, Belfast has been extremely to rival that of any European city. From successful in attracting Foreign Direct its history of shipbuilding to advanced Investment underpinned by its competitive engineering, Belfast is a city of creators operating costs and advanced telecoms and inventors. From innovation in the infrastructure and highly skilled and legal sector to ground-breaking cancer educated employment base. research, Belfast is home to global research centres of excellence and It finds itself ideally situated between supporting high growth clusters. And as Europe and the US and is well connected a result of a pipeline bursting with talent; by road, rail, air and sea. London is one pioneering research and innovation; and hour by air and Dublin city centre is circa secure and resilient infrastructure, global two hours by road or rail. companies like Allstate, Citi and Baker McKenzie have chosen to set up, and The City’s connectivity doesn’t stop there. grow, in Belfast. Northern Ireland, and in turn Belfast, has the highest availability of superfast Innovation is part of Belfast’s DNA and broadband and 4G connectivity in the urban innovation is at its core. The Smart UK. It also benefits from the fastest direct Belfast Framework, will turn Belfast into broadband link from Europe to North a ‘living laboratory’, harnessing the city’s America. This high speed connectivity has talent pool, creativity and technical helped attract some of the world’s leading infrastructure to build innovative solutions companies to Belfast and is one of the that address city challenges and support factors behind the phenomenal growth Belfast’s future growth. To find out more of knowledge industries in the city. visit www.smartbelfast.city

340,220 £44,332 2 population GDP first class of Belfast per capita Universities

1million 33% 3 population population with major acute of city region degree level hospitals education or higher

12 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 13 THE SCALE

A new destination in the heart of the City.

Weavers Cross will be a new destination in the heart of Belfast City centre, with the added benefit of a modern transport Hub acting as a catalyst for regeneration helping to redesign and shape the local area for the better.

The site under Translink ownership is circa 20 acres. Over 8 acres of this will be available for wider development. Just over five minutes’ walk from , the development will be a high-class gateway, offering attractive, dynamic and imaginative sustainable mixed- use development opportunities for investors, and create a fantastic first impression of Belfast as a progressive and confident capital city.

It is intended that this will be delivered in conjunction with a private sector development partner over a number of years.

The vision and masterplan will interface with Belfast City Council’s Smart City Deal and support the Belfast Agenda’s mandate to have more people to live and work in the city centre. It also aligns with the Department for Communities Streets Ahead 5 project, to become an extension of the city centre with a compatible and complementary mix of uses.

Weavers Cross circa 20 acre site with approx 8 acres available for wider development

14 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 15 THE PARTNERSHIP

Translink is seeking a master- 20m+ developer Private Sector Partner per annum public transport passenger (PSP) with the financial means footfall with all island and relevant experience, skills and connectivity resources to realise the Vision for Weavers Cross in partnership with Translink.

It is proposed that Translink and the PSP will create a partnering structure through a contractual Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) 8000+ that will align the parties’ goals and provide a mechanism for the development to be FTE jobs in delivered. Grade A offices The PSP could be a single organisation or with FDI potential group of organisations that bring together the necessary funding and expertise to deliver the Vision and demonstrate long- term partnership working approaches and exhibit strong social value credentials.

Translink is seeking, as part of this JVA, to secure a sustainable financial return 1000+ – providing long term income streams, social value ensuring best value and maximising the social impact which investment in activities infrastructure and development projects can have on local communities.

As Translink is a Contracting Entity (Utility) operating in the Transport Sector, its procurement activities are governed by the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (derived from EU Directive 2014/25/EU). The 5000+ Procurement Strategy for the competition construction to appoint a Master Developer will involve the use of the Competitive Dialogue employment years Procedure, as set out in UCR Regulation 48. This will be undertaken by a multi- disciplinary procurement team comprised BTH of specialist consultants, development largest integrated BREEAM advisors and Translink staff. sustainable transport Excellent It is anticipated that the Competitive hub in Ireland Dialogue process will commence in February 2021 and will last for around 12 months.

16 Weavers Cross / Belfast The journey starts here / weaverscross.co.uk 17 The journey starts here weaverscross.co.uk