A new street food market and community hub is set to open in a former bus centre in the heart of Belfast city centre.
Halt, a new 'authentic street food market', is set to open this summer in the former Europa Bus Centre as part of the first development of the 1.5 million square foot Weavers Cross project, one of the city’s largest ever regeneration developments.
The new 'meanwhile' use site will feature an artisanal food market and bar, creating up to 40 jobs and revitalising this area of the city.
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A new bespoke innovation and community hub, called Platform, will sit alongside the food market. It is anchored and operated by Co-operation Ireland, the all-island peace-building organisation.
The new community hub will provide an inclusive space to support and enrich a range of local community initiatives, while the long-term plans for Weavers Cross take shape.
Leading UK and Ireland property development and investment company MRP is the Master Developer for the transformational Weavers Cross project, which is set to create a vibrant inclusive neighbourhood combining a mix of commercial, cultural, residential, and business amenities surrounding Belfast’s new integrated Grand Central Station.
Commenting on the application for the food market and on the transformational opportunities that Weavers Cross presents for the regeneration of this part of Belfast, Paul Beacom, Development Director of MRP, said: "Weavers Cross provides a generational opportunity to elevate and regenerate a brownfield site to create an exciting new sustainable destination in the heart of Belfast. It will help to stimulate wider economic growth, while supporting local communities and driving social value.
“Reinventing and reimagining the use of the former Europa Bus Centre provides a fantastic meanwhile opportunity in the form of a street food market, entertainment and exhibition space that will help drive footfall and bring culture, vitality and vibrancy to the area. We are looking forward to creating interest and opportunity for the indigenous as well as international food market traders to showcase their business at Weavers Cross and be part of this regeneration journey.
"The food market will also help support wider businesses in the area reinforcing the pedestrian thoroughfare from Great Victoria Street through the Mall to the new Grand Central Station and beyond to neighbouring communities."
Commenting on the Co-operation Ireland move to the site, Ian Jeffers, the organisation’s CEO said: “Our move to the former Europa Travel Centre, is an exciting development for the organisation. Weavers Cross will be a catalyst for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Belfast and locating our offices at the site reflects our commitment to support holistic community spaces and build on our well established our peace and reconciliation work.”
Pedestrian connections and access to the former Bus Centre will be maintained throughout the site, including Glengall Street, Great Northern Mall and St Andrews Sq.
Subject to planning, the new food street market and entertainment facility is expected to open in the summer this year. Outline planning permission for the Weavers Cross redevelopment was approved in 2023.
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