Translink: new Antrim station
Translink’s leading the way in energy efficiency with new state-of-the-art station.
Sustainability is a key priority for Translink.
Most recently, the 2010-2011 Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme ranked Translink as the highest scoring organisation in Northern Ireland and the highest ranking transport organisation in the UK. A mandatory scheme run by the UK Government’s Environment Agency, it encourages large private and public sector organisations to reduce their carbon footprint by developing and implementing energy management strategies and included more than 2100 participants from across the UK.
In 2010-2011, Translink’s overall carbon emissions were reduced by 3 per cent compared to the previous year and the organisation continues to look at ways of conserving energy and improving energy efficiency through technology, work practices and employee awareness initiatives.
The following example clearly shows how sustainability is influencing Translink’s long-term vision for local passenger transport.
New Antrim Integrated Bus & Rail Station
In early 2012, Translink will start construction work on a modern, innovative and sustainable passenger facility serving the Antrim area in line with its ‘Go Eco’ business focus.
The £3 million Antrim Integrated Bus and Rail Station project is part-funded by the Department for Regional Development and through the European Union INTERREG IVB North West Europe (NWE) financial scheme as part of the ‘SusStation’ Achieving Sustainable Stations Project.
The facility will be a modern, attractive, accessible and comfortable transport hub fit for today’s busy lifestyle. It represents a further major milestone in the development of bus and rail passenger facilities for Northern Ireland.
Local people can not only expect a first class integrated bus and rail station meeting their travel requirements but one that will also involve the sensitive restoration of the railway’s listed building façade.
The integrated designs for Antrim raise the bar in terms of environmental and sustainable station development in Northern Ireland with the following features planned to ensure that the station’s environmental impact is controlled:
• roof mounted solar panels;
• a natural ventilation system;
• a naturally insulated green roof;
• a grey water harvesting system;
• a reclaimed clay facing brick and triple glazed curtain walling.
Additional integrated bus and train passenger facilities will include:
• a park and ride facility providing 180 spaces;
• a new traffic management system and improved pedestrian access;
• an integrated bus and rail ticket office;
• an enclosed modern accessible waiting area;
• new public toilets and parent room;
• commercial and retail space; and
• new staff facilities.
The project clearly highlights that there is an opportunity for future passenger facilities to really embrace sustainable features and technology to be more environmentally-friendly and operate more efficiently. In addition to the environmental benefits, this imaginative project has the potential to raise the profile of public transport.
Soft measures are also part of the project and there is considerable opportunity to engage with local communities and stakeholders to demonstrate how sustainable travel options contribute to the economic, social and environmental development of a region.
Plans for Antrim have already attracted European interest with a delegation of representatives from the European SusStation Project – an initiative that supports the construction of sustainable stations – visiting the site to view and discuss the cutting-edge project with both Translink and local political representatives.
The new Antrim Integrated Bus & Rail Station plans are now on display to the public in Antrim train station with the project due for completion in the summer of 2013.
For more information contact:
Web: www.translink.co.uk
Tel: 028 9066 6630
