A group of female students from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering at SERC Lisburn, took part in a site visit to the new Belfast Transport Hub which is currently under construction.
The visit, organised by CITB Women in Construction Network, included the opportunity to meet inspirational female professionals from the construction industry who are involved in the major building project.
Kim Johnston, Lecturer in Construction at SERC said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the construction of what will be a transformation build for Northern Ireland. It was inspirational to meet other females who started out, just like them, on a career path in construction and are now managing several aspects of the new Belfast Transport Hub.”
She added, “The students were able to engage with the speakers about their education and experience before they enjoyed a tour of the construction site, with commentary on the different and unique aspects of the build.”
The speakers were Louise Doyle – Belfast Grand Central Station, Station Manager (Translink); Lisa McFadden – Pathway Programme Manager (Translink); Kerry Young – Associate Project Manager (Arcadis); Riona Magennis – Design Manager (FSJV); Claire Lavery – Graduate Quantity Surveyor (FSJV) and Tara Begley – Structural Site Supervisor and Arup Design Review Manager (Arup).
The new Belfast Transport Hub will replace the existing Europa and Great Victoria Street bus and rail stations, increasing capacity with 26 bus stands, 8 railway platforms and enhanced waking and cycling connectivity. Over 1,400 piles have been placed to support the main station superstructure and construction of the new facility, which will take around 4 years to complete and will create over 500 jobs during construction – providing a major boost to the construction and engineering sector in Northern Ireland.
Farrans and JV partner Sacyr are delivering the main works on the NI Executive Flagship Belfast Grand Central Station project alongside Translink which commenced in February 2022. Find out more about the Belfast Grand Central Station, Belfast – Farrans
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