Highly anticipated £70m Bangor project set to finally begin this month after decades of delay
Queen's Parade has lain largely derelict for decades, despite plans for a major redevelopment scheme, and been described as an "eyesore".
Talk of regenerating the deteriorating seafront, which was once the hub of the seaside city, has been going on for nearly 30 years, with the last delay caused by concerns over flooding.
A seemingly endless series of problems had left both politicians and the public questioning if the work would ever happen.
The project will include new homes, a hotel, offices, a market plaza, retail, cafes and restaurants.
Making the announcement, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: '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.
'After years of expectation, this scheme will be transformational for Bangor.
'When combined with the substantial £72.8m 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.'
He thanked the local council for their support.
'Projects of this nature are extremely complex, and I would like to convey my appreciation to all of our partners including Ards and North Down Borough Council, in particular the Mayor, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Bangor Marine and the people of Bangor for their tireless support. This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.'
The Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alistair Cathcart, said he is eager to see the work beginning.
'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. 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,' he said.
'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.
'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.'
Bangor Marine secured UK Government funding of £9.8m for the Marine Gardens public realm element of the Queen's Parade regeneration project, which will include a new play park, two pavilions, kiosks with food and beverage offerings, an events space, and associated landscaping.
Bangor Marine aims to have construction completed on this part by July 2026.
Aran Blackbourne of Bangor Marine Ltd said: '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.'
News Catch Up - Tuesday 3 June
Alliance North Down MLAs also praised the announcement.
Connie Egan said: 'This announcement from the Communities Minister is long-awaited news and is a positive step forward in boosting Bangor's potential to attract both economic and tourist opportunities.'
'We have witnessed continuous delays to this project, and Alliance, alongside many constituents, have continued to call for the prioritisation of this investment.
'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.'
Environment Minister Andrew Muir added: 'I'm pleased to hear that work on Queen's Parade is finally set to begin. However, this has come at the cost of continued disappointment among constituents who have witnessed numerous false starts on the project for decades.
'I am proud to have been born and bred in Bangor, but for years the city hasn't been able to reach its potential due to the continued delays to this project.
'There is a long road ahead to deliver a rejuvenated Queen's Parade, and in Alliance, we will continue to work hard to get the long-awaited redevelopment delivered.
"This investment will not only enhance our seafront area but also positively impact tourism in Bangor and our local economy.'
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