Claims that a new sculpture at Belfast’s Grand Central Station was “community inspired” have been questioned by a residents’ group who say it in fact symbolises Translink “turning their backs” on locals.
The nine-metre high artwork was unveiled at the new Saltwater Square outside the transport hub last week, and has been touted as celebrating the city’s “heritage, creativity and future”.
The work of artist Kevin Killen, the sculpture is named ‘Reflections’, and was made using reclaimed parts of the Boyne Bridge, which was demolished last year to create the new public square.
The Reflections sculpture being unveiled in Saltwater Square last week PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN
Residents in the nearby Sandy Row area steadfastly opposed the dismantling of the bridge, citing its heritage value, as well as opposing the disruption to local businesses the work would cause.
Now the residents group behind the campaign to save the bridge have turned their ire on the new sculpture, which Stormont’s infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins said would “acknowledge the history of this area while looking ahead to its future”.
“By reusing elements of the former Boyne Bridge, the artwork reflects the past as this new public space takes shape,” she said of the square at the entrance to the new £340m station.
Belfast’s Golden Thread Gallery was involved in the design of the piece, saying its “use of the Japanese principle of Kintsugi – repairing broken materials to create strength and beauty – speaks directly to Belfast’s story of resilience and regeneration”.
However, Billy Dickson, who chairs the Blackstaff Residents Association, said the claim of “extensive community engagement” by Translink over the sculpture “does not ring true for the vast majority of Sandy Row residents – and likely not for those in Grosvenor Road either”.
“While the Department for Infrastructure’s statement may sound convincing to many, those of us dedicated to preserving our culture and heritage see the artwork as a missed opportunity,” he said.
“It reflects a failure to save the 1936 Boyne Bridge. The sculpture is a poor substitute for the loss of the bridge. After the battle to preserve it was lost, the remaining steelwork could have been used to create a more substantial feature –such as a steel version of Stonehenge.
“Unfortunately, we understand that the rest of the steel was sold for scrap.
The remains of the Boyne Bridge following its dismantling to make way for Saltwater Square PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
“What has been done cannot be undone. The sculpture stands as it is, and the general public and visitors will ultimately decide its value. The steelwork may help tell the story of the bridge and the local area. The mirrored side facing the station, regardless of its intended symbolism, will likely be popular with children and many adults alike.
“Another interpretation that might be viewed, is that the sculpture reflects Translink’s and the DfI’s turning their backs on the local community, who made their opposition to demolishing the 1936 bridge very clear.
“Only when the bridge’s closure caused severe traffic issues and nearly strangled Sandy Row’s commercial life did they respond.”
Mr Dickson said Sandy Row residents have acknowledged “positives” including renaming a section of Durham Street, where the bridge previously stood, to ‘Boyne Bridge Place’, and the reuse of some of the old bridge lampposts in the square.
A section of Belfast’s Durham Street has been renamed Boyne Bridge Place to mark where the bridge stood until last year PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER
He said the residents’ group has “submitted suggestions to Translink regarding future features and signage, sincerely hoping our views will be fully considered”.
“Comprehensive consultation is essential, rather than the token engagement claimed so far,” he added.
“We urge city planners and Translink to reconsider the current plans and adopt a genuinely collaborative approach— working closely with the community to create a Central Station that truly embodies the spirit of Belfast.”
The Irish News approached Translink for comment.