A number of tourism bodies and a luxury travel operator who is behind the Irish version of Orient Express have thrown their support behind a new Transport Hub for Derry.
Tourism NI, Visit Derry and Belmond, the luxury travel operator, have added their support for Translink’s proposed North-West Multi-Modal Transport Hub.
The hub proposals will be determined by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee next month.
It’s now emerged that if approved, the decision could Belmond’s Grand Hibernian heritage train tours and excursions being extended to the city and North West, with the firm already involved in discussions with Translink to extend their existing heritage-railway journey to Derry.
Belmond, who currently provide luxury journeys across Ireland’s railway network aboard its Grand Hibernian luxury locomotive (pictured above), have said that the new hub and infrastructure will enable them to include Derry on their route.
The £27 million scheme proposes to refurbish the existing Grade B Listed Former (Waterside) Train Station to provide accommodation for a Multi-Modal Transport Hub including passenger facilities, bus access, park and ride, café, retail space, staff facilities and office accommodation.
The Grand Hibernian heritage train is known as Ireland’s answer to the Orient Express, and can accommodate up to 40 guests in 20 refurbished en-suite cabins in the renovated carriages.
The price is €3,999 per person, and visits cities such as Dublin, Belfast and Cork as well as travelling through the Irish countryside.
Daily excursions allow passengers to explore historic estates, play golf and visit attractions such as the Titanic Belfast centre.
Gary Franklin, Belmond’s Vice President, said that the proposed new hub has ‘huge potential’ for the entire north west region.
“We operate some of the most exclusive train excursions in the world and look forward to being able to extend our adventure to the city and wider north nest region,” he said.
“We are very excited at the opportunities that this proposed Multi-Modal Transport Hub could bring. The city, and its surrounding area are exceptionally scenic and there is great potential for us to expand our operations here.
“We look forward to continuing to play our role in boosting local tourism and are exploring options to exhibit one of the Grand Hibernian’s passenger cabins in the city.
“If the plans are approved, Belmond would look to formalise ongoing discussions with Translink and contribute to the huge potential this project has for the city and adjacent region.”
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