Translink's North West Transport Hub is continuing to gain accolades across the UK and Europe with another prestigious award.

The £27 million project, which saw the former Waterside Train Station transformed into a 21st century facility, was named the winner in the 'Enhancing Green Mobility in the Regions: European Year of Rail 2021' category at the EU REGIOSTARS awards.

The project was commended by REGIOSTARS for the multimodality, community engagement and development of civic space. The jury noted the provision of an increased rail capacity, a strong balance of services for cycling, public transport and active travel users in L'Derry and an encouraging modal shift from car to public transport.

Welcoming the award, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I am absolutely delighted that the North West Multimodal Transport Hub has deservedly won a prestigious EU REGIOSTARS Award and I want to congratulate all those involved in delivering this innovative project. What a week it has been for the Hub following the success at the National Railway Heritage Awards.     

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"I am committed in my belief that we can connect our communities and deliver cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure through an increase in the use of public transport and especially by unlocking the potential our rail network can bring to our island. To do this successfully we need to invest in the right infrastructure and facilities and it is fantastic news that the innovative North West Hub has been recognised as an excellent example of us doing just that.

"I value the support received through the EU INTERREG VA programme and believe that the North West Multimodal Transport Hub showcases the benefits of building strong collaborative relationships across our island."

Congratulating the project, Gina McIntyre Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the INTERREG VA Programme, added: "The EU INTERREG VA Programme contains a specific objective designed to support sustainable transport on both sides of the border, which is currently dominated by car usage and results in high carbon emissions. The programme provides support to projects which are creating a more coherent, integrated and sustainable cross-border travel network. The North West Multi-Modal Transport Hub is an excellent example of this and one of the largest projects to be funded under this objective of the programme.

"It is already having a significant impact by encouraging citizens, on a cross-border basis, to leave their cars at home and use more environmentally-friendly forms of transport. It will also help to protect the climate by reducing harmful greenhouse and carbon emissions, now and in the future. I was truly delighted to hear of this fantastic win for what is such a highly competitive award and would like to congratulate all of the different partners involved in the delivery of this exceptional project."