A new street food market and community hub named Halt is set to open this summer in Belfast city centre, occupying the former Europa Bus Centre. This initiative is part of the significant Weavers Cross project, which encompasses a redevelopment area of 1.5 million square feet, deemed one of the largest regeneration schemes in the city’s history.

The Halt project aims to create an "authentic street food market" and a bar, thereby generating approximately 40 jobs while revitalising the surrounding area. This new market will serve as a "meanwhile" use site, providing a temporary yet vibrant space for food and community activities as the larger plans for Weavers Cross evolve.

In conjunction with the food market, a bespoke innovation and community hub will be established, named Platform. This centre will be operated by Co-operation Ireland, an organisation focused on peace-building across the island. The hub is designed to offer an inclusive space that supports local community initiatives, contributing to the area's social dynamics while the broader Weavers Cross development progresses.

The Weavers Cross project is spearheaded by MRP, a leading property development and investment company in the UK and Ireland. The initiative aims to establish a dynamic neighbourhood at the heart of Belfast, centred around the newly integrated Grand Central Station, combining commercial, cultural, residential, and business facilities.

Paul Beacom, Development Director of MRP, commented on the project's potential, stating, "Weavers Cross provides a generational opportunity to elevate and regenerate a brownfield site to create an exciting new sustainable destination in the heart of Belfast. It will help to stimulate wider economic growth, while supporting local communities and driving social value." He further added that the reimagining of the former bus centre would create a vibrant space that not only attracts foot traffic but also enriches the cultural atmosphere of the area.

The CEO of Co-operation Ireland, Ian Jeffers, also expressed enthusiasm about the plans, highlighting that relocating to the former Europa Travel Centre is a significant step for their organisation. He remarked, "Weavers Cross will be a catalyst for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Belfast, and locating our offices at the site reflects our commitment to support holistic community spaces and build on our well-established peace and reconciliation work."

Plans for maintaining pedestrian access to the former bus centre through Glengall Street, Great Northern Mall, and St Andrews Square have been established, ensuring ease of movement around the site. The new street food market and entertainment venue are currently awaiting necessary planning approvals, with an anticipated opening in summer 2025. The outline planning permission for the larger Weavers Cross redevelopment was granted in 2023, marking a significant step in the journey towards transforming this part of Belfast.