Time capsule to make history at Antrim Station

The company has written directly to a wide range of local representatives from the political, business, tourism, education, health and community sectors requesting contents for the capsule.

The opportunity to ‘make history’ comes as construction work on the new £2.9 million passenger facility continues on schedule. It will be Northern Ireland’s first sustainable bus and rail centre, acting as an important gateway into the Antrim area.

Translink plans to install the Time Capsule this September during a special official opening ceremony for the new facility.

In total there will be 111 items placed into the capsule to reflect the number of years since the station first opened in 1902.

The ‘Translink Antrim Time Capsule’ will then be marked for opening in 50 years time (2063) and aims to provide the local community in the future with a rich tapestry of life in Antrim half a century earlier

Speaking about the initiative, Translink’s Michelle Alcorn said: “We want to fill the time capsule with items that reflect community life in Antrim and it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the charm and appeal of the town as a place where people live, work and visit.

“This is where we need the help of the local community! We have written directly to a range of representatives encouraging them to put something into the capsule relating to a series of themes including: why they love Antrim, the new bus and rail centre or Antrim’s past, present and future.

“We are looking for pieces of writing, printed materials, visual artwork or photography – it can be something that already exists or something created especially for the time capsule.

“Last summer, Translink’s ‘My Antrim, My Journey’ Art Competition attracted hundreds of entries from local school children and we were able to use the winning art to decorate the station construction site.

“We hope this ‘Translink Antrim Time Capsule’ initiative will be another great way to involve the local community in the project.

“We are looking forward to receiving submissions and to inviting contributors to our official opening planned to take place this September,” said Michelle.

The new Antrim Bus & Rail Centre will involve the sensitive restoration of the old railway station’s listed façade and combine it with a range of cutting-edge features.

Sustainable features include: roof mounted solar panels; natural ventilation system; a naturally insulated green roof; grey water harvesting system; and reclaimed clay facing brick and triple glazed curtain walling.

Passenger facilities include: an integrated bus/rail ticket office; park and ride facility providing 180 spaces; enclosed modern accessible waiting area; new public toilets, new parent room; commercial/retail space; new staff facilities; and a new traffic management system and improved pedestrian access.