Community inspired landmark sculpture unveiled as new Saltwater Square at Grand Central Station progresses
Date published:
The completion of Saltwater Square moved a step closer with the unveiling of a major new public artwork celebrating Belfast's heritage, creativity and future.
A further phase of the new civic space outside Belfast Grand Central Station was opened to the public marking another significant milestone in the city's transport‑led regeneration project.
Titled Reflections, the striking nine‑metre‑high sculpture forms the centrepiece of Saltwater Square at Weavers Cross and has been designed by Golden Thread Gallery, inspired by Translink's extensive engagement with local communities. The artwork was expertly fabricated by Northern Ireland artist Kevin Killen.
The unveiling event brought together the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tracy Kelly, Translink CEO Chris Conway, elected representatives, community groups, artists and young people, alongside the launch of When Walls Speak Welcome – a schools‑led public art programme creating a shared welcome to the city through large‑scale murals at the station and officially marking the hidden and well known stories of the local area also captured on the walls.
Designed as a landmark gateway feature, Reflections signals arrival into a city shaped by its industrial past and confidently looking ahead. The artwork incorporates original sections of the previous Boyne Bridge, combined with contemporary mirror‑polished steel, symbolising innovation, connection and renewal.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
"Today marks another important milestone in the Grand Central Station journey. The opening of Saltwater Square and the unveiling of this artwork 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. Saltwater Square will play an important role as part of the city's transport hub and the wider regeneration of Belfast."
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said:
"It's wonderful to see these two pieces of art unveiled today at Saltwater Square, Weavers Cross.
"Belfast is becoming increasingly well-known the world over for our welcome, our resilience and our innovation – so it's very fitting that this striking Reflections sculpture and When Walls Speak Welcome mural which have been inspired and shaped by our heritage, local people and schoolchildren will now give a meaningful, memorable greeting to commuters, visitors and tourists as they arrive in our great city."
Golden Thread Gallery's Co-Directors Peter Richards and Sarah McAvera, said:
"In Reflections, carefully restored industrial steel meets its mirrored future, bound by a golden seam. 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. Drawing from the outcomes of Translink's programme of community consultation, the artwork reflects themes of innovation, heritage, connection and civic pride. The union of historic riveting and polished steel invites you to see yourself reflected in Belfast's evolution."
Speaking at the event, Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink, said:
"Arts and heritage play a defining role at Grand Central Station and across the surrounding public realm at Saltwater Square. Reflections is a powerful symbol of Belfast – honouring our industrial heritage while celebrating the people, creativity and ambition shaping the city today. Positioned at one of NI's most important gateways, it creates a strong sense of arrival and a warm welcome for everyone travelling through Belfast Grand Central Station."
The outward facing mural officially named 'When Walls Speak Welcome', is a major public art initiative delivered by Translink in partnership with Daisychain, involving pupils from seven local schools and professional artists. The programme has resulted in a large‑scale street art mural along the Grosvenor Road and Durham Street, with additional murals being created for each participating school.
Adam Turkington from Daisychain said:
"When Walls Speak Welcome is about giving young people a real voice in shaping how Belfast greets the world. Through this project, we've heard clearly that people want to see murals that reflect not just one part of our identity but the full richness of who we are. These walls bring those ideas to life a shared welcome created by young people from schools near the station and artists."
The inner facing murals are a further powerful example of meaningful community collaboration co-designed with local community groups. This artwork reflects what matters most to those who live, work and connect here. Community participants were involved throughout the creative process and played a hands‑on role in painting the murals that now animate the space working alongside renowned artist Dee Craig of Belfast Mural Arts.
Together, the artworks anchor Saltwater Square as a welcoming threshold to the city – a place where history, creativity and community come together, and where visitors experience Belfast's story from the moment they arrive but also embeds local identity at the heart of this transformational regeneration project.
Saltwater Square forms part of Weavers Cross, a flagship Northern Ireland Executive regeneration project, and will continue to host cultural activity, events and community celebrations as the wider Belfast Grand Central Station transformation progresses.