Approval sought for Bangor seafront development

A planning application has been submitted for large-scale development at a site at Queen’s Parade and Marine Gardens in Bangor.

The scheme has been described as ‘a major milestone’ in completion of a £50m plan for the regeneration of the seaside town.

This current proposal consists of public realm developments at Marine Gardens, including external events space, cafes, seafront lawns, children’s play area and water feature; a hotel, a destination/cinema building; residential units, office space, car parking, a marketplace and refurbishment of existing buildings.

Welcoming the application, the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, said that it was ‘a huge step in the right direction for the redevelopment of Bangor’s town centre’:

‘We are one step closer to the £50m investment in Bangor which will create much-needed jobs, shops, offices and homes, and will create an attractive place for people to visit,’ she added. ‘Having seen the computer-generated images, it is a genuinely exciting time for Bangor, breathing life and vitality back into the heart of the town.’

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery says that the regeneration of Queen’s Parade is critical to the future of the town and working with the council’s plans to help regenerate the Bangor waterfront, it will help to maximise the economic growth potential of the wider Borough of Ards and North Down.

“With the formal planning application now submitted, I am delighted that we are taking such a significant and exciting step forward in this important investment project,’ he added.

Bangor Marine Ltd. is a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans.