‘Work to start’ on long-delayed project to transform Bangor sea front

Work will start later this month on a long-delayed project to transform Bangor sea front.

Queen’s Parade has lain largely derelict for decades, despite plans for a major redevelopment scheme, and been described as an “eyesore”.

The £70 million project will include new homes, a hotel, offices, a market plaza, retail, cafes and restaurants.

The funding has come from developer Bangor Marine as well as the Stormont Department for Communities and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

There will also be an investment of £72.8 million in Bangor’s waterfront area from the Belfast Region City Deal.

Local political representatives have said they want to see diggers on site as soon as possible.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said work will start on site this month.

He was speaking after the signing of legal agreements with partners at Parliament Buildings.

“I am delighted to announce that work on the much-awaited Queen’s Parade development scheme is set to commence later this month.

“I wish to put on record my thanks to all the officials in my department whose hard work and commitment have made it possible for this important project to begin,” he said.

“After years of expectation, this scheme will be transformational for Bangor.”

“When combined with the substantial £72.8 million investment in Bangor’s Waterfront through the Belfast Region City Deal, this is the start of a bright future for the city.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for years to come.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down Alistair Cathcart said many will only be fully satisfied when they see the work under way.

“As mayor and as a Bangorian, I am very pleased that we have now cleared the final legal complexities to enable work to start on Marine Gardens in June,” he said.

“This is an important and positive milestone to recognise, and I would add my thanks to all those involved in the negotiations for their hard work and dedication to the process.

“However, like many Bangor residents, I will only be fully satisfied when there are diggers on site.

“The Bangor Marine contractors need some time to mobilise now that all agreements are in place, but I will be pushing for that work to start as soon as possible.”

He added: “Bangor has been waiting for this for a long time and deserves both the investment and the regenerative potential that it will release for the city.

“I hope residents and business will be reassured by the minister’s update and engage positively with the scheme when work on site begins in the coming weeks.”

Aran Blackbourne, of Bangor Marine Ltd, added: “We are delighted that all the legal documents are now agreed and we can now confidently move forward with the Queen’s Parade redevelopment project with Oakland Holdings as our joint venture partner.

“We look forward to working with all parties to deliver this very exciting and important regeneration scheme for Bangor.”

Alliance North Down MLAs Connie Egan and Andrew Muir described the “long-awaited news” as a “positive step forward in boosting Bangor’s potential to attract both economic and tourist opportunities”.

Ms Egan said: “Queen’s Parade is one of Bangor’s main streets overlooking the seafront.

“However, this area has been left to deteriorate for years and has become a huge eyesore, overshadowing the beautiful views of our shoreline.

“This is only the beginning of a lengthy process, and after years of false promises, the people of Bangor won’t believe it until they see it.

“We now need to see the work started imminently so the redevelopment of Queen’s Parade can begin as soon as possible.”