The Minister made the announcement during a speech at the 'Belfast City of Quarters' conference today.
The proposal would utilise part of the extensive site at Grosvenor Road owned by Translink, together with the existing facilities at Glengall Street, which comprise the Europa Bus Centre and Great Victoria Street Train station.
Speaking prior to the publication of a prospectus to gauge private sector interest in the project, Minister Murphy said: "I welcome the opportunities that this project would create to provide a more integrated and accessible signature transport facility within Belfast. Clearly in a difficult budgetary context it is important that we explore the possibilities for private sector investment before commitments are made, but this project has the potential to create the leading transportation hub on the island of Ireland which will provide a basis for further opportunities for all the citizens of Belfast and beyond.
"This scheme would provide a new strategic transport link to support the economic growth of Belfast, whilst creating substantial job opportunities and is consistent with the designation of the Grosvenor Road site as a gateway to the city centre. It can also be seen as providing an opportunity for Translink to streamline their bus depot facilities in the medium term.
"Whilst the project is primarily a transport project the development could have wider dimensions and these will be explored with a range of different local and central government stakeholders as well as community and representative groups.
"On the basis of a high level case, I have asked Translink and the SIB to proceed with further environmental and transport assessments and to engage with the private sector to explore the commercial opportunities created by the development."
Notes to editors:
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press Office on 028 9054 0817. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
