Belfast’s Grand Central Station was named Project of the Year for Northern Ireland at the 2026 RICS Awards, as well as taking home the trophy in the community benefit category.
This project involved building an entirely new station, including 26 new bus stands, creating a new bus route with a bridge to carriageway connection, the construction of eight new rail lines and their connection to the existing network, and various public realm works in areas surrounding the station as it forms the centrepiece of the Weavers Cross development.
It won ahead of an impressive list of categories winners including the NI Fire & Rescue Service Learning and Development College in Cookstown and City Quay Gardens in Belfast.
Commenting on the winning project, the judges said: “This is a BREAM excellent new transport hub in Belfast City Centre that has doubled passenger capacity in trains and buses. It has high sustainability and innovation credentials and demonstrable commitment to “one team, one project”. Delivered to budget and ahead of time, this scheme has regenerated the city centre and will be part of a wider Weavers Cross regeneration area. The project, which included wider refurbishment of road access, culverts and bridges, represents excellence across quality design and public realm, cost efficiency, team culture, social impact, community consultation, collaboration, safety, and drive for excellence.”
The RICS UK Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies. The winning projects at each of the regional awards ceremonies will go on to represent their region at the UK Grand Final on Thursday 22nd October.
The full list of winning projects in Northern Ireland are:
- Belfast Grand Central Station – Project of the Year and Community Benefit project
- City Quay Gardens, Belfast – Heritage project
- Enterprise & Innovation Digi-Hub, Omagh – Refurbishment/Revitalisation project
- Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service – Learning and Development College – Public Sector project
- The Savoy, Bangor – Residential Development project
- Lidl Northern Ireland, Newcastle – Commercial Development project
There were also three projects that were highly commended: Ardnashee School and College in the Community Benefit project category, Belfast Cathedral Buildings in the Refurbishment/Revitalisation project category and Daisyfield Court in the Residential Development project category.
The event was held at the Europa Hotel on Thursday 2nd July.
Commenting on the awards, UK National Awards Chair, Kerry Gibbs MRICS, said: “These Awards shine a spotlight on the most inspiring people, projects and innovations shaping the built and natural environment. creating a powerful platform that elevates the profile of chartered surveying and celebrates its impact on communities nationwide.
“This year we received over 300 entries across all twelve of the RICS regions.
“The Awards are hugely important. They help demonstrate the positive impact that surveyors, as well as buildings, have on individuals and communities. They promote the role of surveying in making those projects a reality.”
For further information on the RICS UK Awards please visit the RICS website.