Bus depot set to be redeveloped

Bus depot set to be redeveloped

15 May 2024

THE former Saintfield bus depot which has become an eyesore at the entrance to the town is to redeveloped.

The news has been confirmed by Translink to Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen and Rowallane councillor Callum Bowsie.

They say “significant progress” is being made to repurpose the site.

Ms McIlveen has thanked Translink and the Department for Infrastructure for working alongside her and Cllr Bowsie on the issue.

“We now look forward to continuing to engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the land disposing process has the needs of the community front and centre,” she added.

Cllr Bowsie said the old bus depot was one of the first issues raised with him when he was elected in 2022.

“The site has been an eyesore at Saintfield’s gateway for over a decade and since a former equestrian business closed in 2009, considerable development has occurred on either side of this site. 

It was formerly used as a car wash for a few years, but now has no use at all,” he said.

“Michelle and I met with senior Translink officials last year to discuss and suggest some short and long-terms options for the site that would see this prominent location utilised positively and the appearance improved.”

Cllr Bowsie revealed that since the meeting with Translink talks have been held with interested parties to push for progress.

He said Translink recently confirmed the outcome of a review of the depot, confirming the property was not part of its long-term active estate strategy. 

“This means the company will begin a process to see the site repurposed and I understand this is likely commence this week,” Cllr Bowsie confirmed.

The Rowallane politician revealed contact has been made with the Department for Infrastructure, which is working with Translink to formalise a proper bus lay-by at this part of Saintfield.

He added: “This will very likely mean some of this site being vested to complete the proposed design. The current hard shoulder does not allow buses to fully pull in off the road.”