The iconic Ulster uni bridge has been demolished

In the early hours of Sunday morning, work began to remove the iconic footbridge linking Ulster University Belfast to one of its old university buildings, the Orphious, across the road on York Street.

The walkway had been in place since 1932 and was revamped in 2006.

The UUB footbridge before it was removed

The old UUB campus building will be demolished following this phase of the university redevelopment programme and a new campus area will be built on the site.

A new and improved footbridge is set to be built over York Street linking the current campus to the new building.

Colum Mackey, UUSU President said of the development: “I watched as they disassembled the landmark of the Belfast campus that was ‘the bridge’. For students on the Belfast campus it was the place they hung out, ate lunch, enjoyed the view and displayed their art and for any students who knew it, it will be sorely missed.

“It is the final tie to be cut between the new building and the old – soon to be knocked down. It will make way for the final stage of the Greater Belfast Development as it emerges to become a striking feature on the Belfast skyline.

“By 2018 we’ll see a new bridge connecting the state of the art campus and with it the new building offering new facilities and opportunities. It’s an extremely exciting time to be at Ulster University.”

Laura Morrow, a second year Art & Design student said: “I think the new development is needed with the amount of students that will be attending the university within the next few years.

Although the old building was a landmark and had so much history for people with it previously being the Co-op and Orphious building, I think the new building will be more practical for the university’s use and will act as a new modern landmark to be appreciated at this side of Belfast.”

The Ulster University is investing £250m in the redevelopment of its Belfast city centre campus.