North West Transport Hub, Derry~Londonderry

[Con]

Londonderry’s railway Station is now moved back to the refurbished B&NCR built station, which was originally closed in 1980. The “Egg Boxes” (my avatar) are now closed and will be demolished in due course, to create a bus interchange. Fuller details here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-50122093

 

[Edgeley]

That's quick - work was still going on when I was there a month ago! There's great scenery along the line between Derry/Londonderry and Coleraine and, as with most places outside of GB, the train journey is comfortable and pleasant.

 

[Mordac]

I completely missed this, didn't even realize construction had started, even if I was aware of the plans. Hopefully the new station is better than the old decrepit hole.

 

[davetheguard]

Can anyone remember back to 1980 and why the old station was closed in the first place?

I have travelled on the line through from Belfast; but a few years ago now, before the new CAF rolling stock. The train terminated at the "new" 1980's, i.e. now closed station. I didn't know about the existence of the Victorian station building and headed straight across the river to town without knowingly seeing it. I remember talking to the Guard on the train who was based at Derry/Londonderry, and he was very worried that the line was going to close. It looks like things are looking brighter now, and that the future of the line is secure.

 

[WAO]

Waterside Station was bombed in 1972 and 1975, only closing later, in 1980.

NIR wanted a modern building but the present arrangement resulted.

WAO