Royal Hotel set for demolition as £9m redevelopment approved

A major redevelopment in the heart of Bangor has been given the green light, paving the way for the demolition of the historic Royal Hotel and Windsor Bar to make room for a new apartment and restaurant complex.

Ards and North Down Borough Council has approved a £9 million plan from Expedia Capital Ltd that will see the site on Quay Street transformed into a modern mixed-use development featuring 35 apartments, two restaurant units, a retail space, and new parking facilities.

Despite the demolition, the new structure will replicate the original façade of the hotel and bar, preserving a visual connection to one of Bangor’s most recognised buildings.

At the April 1 meeting of the council’s Planning Committee, elected officials unanimously supported the application following a recommendation from the Planning Officer. No objections were raised by statutory consultees or members of the public, with only one letter of support received.

Originally established in 1841, the Royal Hotel building as it stands dates from 1931 and showcases Art Deco features across its five-storey structure. It remained in operation until closing its doors in 2014 and, despite its heritage value to many locals, it was never granted listed status.

Previous plans to redevelop the site—including a 2011 proposal for a 52-room hotel and a 2018 scheme featuring apartments and retail—ultimately stalled. Archaeological assessments had also previously halted work on the premises.

This latest proposal promises a “like-for-like replacement” of the Quay Street façade using materials and colours in harmony with nearby buildings. Planning officials deemed the design high quality and in keeping with the character of the area.

“The current design replicates the original design with some alterations. It is of high quality and is sympathetic to the original design,” the Planning Case Officer noted in their report.

They continued: “The proposed development is compatible with the surrounding town centre uses. The elevation onto Crosby Street is in keeping with the scale and form of the surrounding buildings,” adding that the proximity to nearby buildings, including the Salvation Army premises, posed no concern regarding impact or overlooking.

Commenting on the approval, Ards and North Down’s Lord Mayor said: “(I am) delighted that the council’s Planning Committee has tonight granted planning approval to the redevelopment of the former Royal Hotel.

“It will involve the demolition of the current building and a like-for-like replacement of the famous facade on Quay Street. There is a legal agreement in place to ensure that the like for like replacement is built once the current building is demolished.

“The £9 million project is due to start in 2026 will be a mixed use development comprising 35 apartments, two restaurant units, one retail unit and parking. I welcome this sympathetic regeneration of one of Bangor’s most iconic buildings.”

North Down MLA and Environment Minister Andrew Muir also welcomed the project: “The redevelopment of the Royal Hotel is great news for Bangor and an important step in its regeneration. Sadly, it has not been possible to keep the original building, but the planning permission that has been granted will see an identical replacement of its facade.

“The former hotel has been closed now for many years, and these plans will see the site given a new lease of life, whilst respecting our built heritage. The additional housing for Bangor is also welcome and much needed, as are the opportunities for businesses on the ground floor.

“I look forward to seeing the new building in place and this iconic feature of the waterfront once again standing tall.”