The new £27 million North-West Transport Hub has been recognised at the prestigious National Railway Heritage Awards.

Translink was presented with the Best Overall Entry award for the project, which saw the former Waterside Train Station fully restored and repurposed for use as a 21st Century transport facility. It now acts as a gateway to the cross-border North-West region, as well as promoting active and sustainable travel, bringing together a wide range of transport modes to help deliver Translink's Net Zero transport ambitions.

The National Railway Heritage Awards are intended to encourage and reward best practice in the restoration and continued upkeep of the rich heritage of railway and tramway buildings and structures across the UK and Ireland. The category of Best Overall Entry is awarded by the judges to recognise the pinnacle of railway preservation projects.

Welcoming the award win, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I am delighted that my Department in partnership with colleagues in the South, has been able to invest in the North West. This Transport Hub in Derry is just the start of what we need to meet our rail ambitions. The recognition the hub has received with this award is a credit to all of those involved. "Congratulations to everyone involved and most importantly Translink for their vision and drive in restoring this iconic building. 

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"If we are serious about developing our rail network, modern facilities like this are needed. I am ambitious for the opportunities rail can open up right across our island and particularly in addressing the regional imbalance communities West of the Bann have historically suffered. This week I also announced the next steps on the all island strategic rail review, which must be a key driver of the change we need to better connect our towns and cities, opening up opportunities for citizens, communities and our island economy.

"The North West Transport hub is a model of excellence and this award is a just recognition of that."

The facility was developed with funding from the EU's INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Additional funding has been provided by the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the South, as well as support from Derry City and Strabane District Council. 

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway added: "Translink is delighted to have won this highly prestigious award, recognising the highest standards in railway preservation. It is an honour to be nominated and to win amongst so many other strong contenders in railway heritage.

"The North-West Transport Hub is one of the finest examples of Victorian railway architecture in these islands and I am very proud of the ambitious project which saw this building restored to its former glory. It has proven to be a real asset to the people of Derry~Londonderry, providing a gateway to the city and the wider region and acting as a catalyst for regeneration and active, sustainable travel. 

"I want to congratulate everyone involved in the project whose hard work has made this achievement possible."