‘No newspapers at Grand Central presents opportunity for local business’

A lack of facilities or availability to purchase newspapers or magazines at Belfast’s Grand Central Station has been described as “a bad oversight”.

It has long been a tradition that commuters purchase papers or magazines for their journeys to work or for leisure at bus and train stations across Northern Ireland, however those travelling from or into Grand Central Station are unable to do so.

While food and refreshments can be purchased at the M&S shop in the building, no shops, stands or stalls are on site for commuters to buy a newspaper.

An article in the Irish News revealed that, as the largest transport hub on the island of Ireland, Grand Central Station is also thought to be one of the few major transport hubs in Europe where people cannot purchase print publications.

Brian Murphy, the Fed’s director of news said this lack of availability offered an opportunity for some.

“Commuters rightly expect to be able to pick up a newspaper or magazine at their local bus or train station, so this is a bad oversight by Translink,” said Brian.

“That said, it does represent an opportunity for any Fed members with shops near to Grand Central Station and we would be happy to help them capitalise on any sales opportunities that exist.

“We will also be talking to Irish publishers to explore ways of getting printed publications into the hands of Translink bus and rail passengers.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Translink said a tendering process had been carried out for retail opportunities within Grand Central Station.

“Opportunities for retail outlets in Belfast Grand Central Station were widely advertised through a local letting agent, and a comprehensive marketing and tender process was completed,” said the spokesperson.

“Although Translink does not determine the product lines of tenants, we would welcome the sale of newspapers and magazines and we continue to look at any suitable opportunities.”