Latest news with #BangorCityCouncil
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'worst seaside resort' insists abandoned £18.5m investment isn't a 'blow'
A popular seaside resort that has grappled with its image in recent years is facing yet another blow, as it seemingly struggles to sell a huge £18.5 million shopping complex A popular seaside city savagely ranked as one of the UK's worst has clapped back at claims it has suffered a major blow over a £18.5 million complex. For many, Bangor - nestled on the coast of Wales and just a stone's throw from Snowdonia National Park - is a coastal gem wrapped up in nostalgia and natural beauty. Classed as the oldest city in the country, and commonly mistaken as a town, Bangor is filled with a rich history, unique architecture, and an impressive Victorian pier that stretches almost half a kilometre out to sea. Residents insist their hometown has 'lots to offer', but Bangor was sensationally snubbed earlier this year when it was ranked as the worst seaside resort in the whole of the UK. Earning a measly 42 per cent overall destination score, almost 5,000 Which? members gave the destination just one star for its seafront/ pier, food and drink offerings, shopping experience, and tourist attractions. Bangor redeemed itself slightly with its scenery and parking availability. "It's disappointing to see Bangor City named as one of the UK's worst seaside towns," said Bangor City Council at the time. "Such rankings often fail to capture the full picture and the unique charms that make Bangor City so special." However, Bangor's sliding reputation has recently been cast under the spotlight once more due to the sale of its premier shopping complex, the Menai Centre, which reports describe as another 'blow' to the city. Developed back in 2007 by Cathco Property Group - reportedly costing £18.5 million to build - the 130,000 square ft building struggled during the pandemic, which caused almost 80 per cent of its shops to close down. According to North Wales Live, it was bought by Bearmont Capital back in 2023, who added a bunch of retailers including he Original Factory Shop (TOFS), Greggs, and Hays Travel to the complex. Plans to open a major health centre in the complex in place of the former Debenhams store, using Welsh Government funds, have also been unveiled. The centre has now been placed up for auction with a guide price of just £4.2 million - a mere fraction of the price it cost to build. However, the sale does not include the Debenhams unit or a linked site, which was sold off a number of years ago. "If no stand out bids are received or bids received are of a similar value then a reserve price will be set on the property and it will be sold via a live online auction (date to be determined subject to Stage 1 of the process)," Savills, who is selling the property, said. Speaking to the Mirror, a spokesperson for the council stressed that Bangor doesn't have a beach and has never promoted itself as a 'seaside resort' - despite being located near the sea. "Similarly, Bangor does not promote itself as a tourist destination," they added. "We do, of course, have interesting attractions, such as St Deiniol's Cathedral, Garth Pier (which won the National Pier of the Year award in 2022), and the University building, to name a few, and Bangor is an ideal base to visit North Wales's attractions. However, to consider Bangor as a seaside resort would be flawed and inaccurate. In contrast to the Which survey, another survey found that the people of Bangor as the happiest people in the County." The spokesperson added that the council does not consider the sale of the Menai centre as a 'blow to the city' as most of the retail units within the complex are 'occupied on long leases' that won't be impacted by the change of ownership. "The sale, several months ago, of the other Bangor shopping centre, namely the Deiniol Centre, has not impacted negatively on the units within it nor on the City and there is no reason to think that this one will," they stated. "This year, Bangor is celebrating 1500 since St Deiniol established his religious settlement here and to mark this important milestone, the City has come together and is hosting an ambitious programme of events. It has something for everyone, from a military parade to music concerts, from Bangor's Across the World Exhibition to a History Festival, from the Summer Festival to the Christmas Festival and much more. The one exception being that Bangor does not have a beach."
North Wales Chronicle
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Garth Pier in Bangor prepares to celebrate 129th birthday
The event on Sunday, May 18, will see a fun-filled family day on the pier from 12pm to 5pm. There will be live music, food and drink stalls, and children's entertainment. The pier, which opened on May 14, 1896, is one of Bangor's most cherished landmarks. It has undergone extensive renovations, including a £1 million restoration project that began in August 2017. The project, funded by Bangor City Council, included strengthening the structure and adding new handrails on the pier deck. The pier attracted more than 128,000 visitors in 2024 alone. In 2022, it won the Pier of the Year award. The views from Garth Pier are one of its highlights, with sweeping panoramas across the Menai Strait, Snowdonia's mountains, and Anglesey's coastlines. The Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, a charity established in 2022, has been instrumental in the pier's resurgence. (Image: Supplied) With more than 70 volunteers, they manage the entrance kiosk and gift shop. Avril Wayte, chair of the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, said: "We're incredibly proud of how far the pier has come, and our annual birthday party is a wonderful way to celebrate the pier's history, its future, and the people who make it so special. "It's all about community, colour, and keeping this incredible place full of life." Dr Martin Hanks, city director from Bangor City Council, added: "We're delighted to be celebrating the pier's birthday as part of the 1,500th year and we look forward to welcoming the community to mark this special occasion." The pier is home to several businesses, including the Pavilion Café, the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier Shop, Strait o Gymru, Whistlestop Café, a traditional sweet shop and arcade, and Julie's Art Gallery. Admission to the birthday event is £2 for adults and £1 for children, with proceeds supporting the continued care and development of the pier.
North Wales Chronicle
05-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day with light display
VE Day marked the end of the Second World War, on May 8, 1945. Bangor's own tribute will take place at 9pm at the war memorial in Glanrafon car park, culminating in the lighting of a beacon at 9.30pm, part of a UK-wide network of more than a thousand beacons and lamp lights of peace. The ceremony will be led by Bangor City Council, in collaboration with Reverend David Morris, bishop of Bardsey and assistant bishop of Bangor. The names of all of the individuals who lost their lives during World War II will be projected onto the walls of the Pontio building. Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor city director, said: 'It is both humbling and a great honour for Bangor to be part of this significant national tribute. 'The lighting of the beacon and lamp lights of peace symbolises the enduring legacy of those who gave everything for our freedom. 'As we commemorate 80 years since VE Day, we do so with deep gratitude and solemn reflection, remembering not only those from our own communities, but the brave souls from all nations who stood together in the face of darkness. 'These lights are a reminder of the peace they forged, and a promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.' The Bangor VE Day event will start at 9pm at the war memorial, Glanrafon car park, and is expected to last about 40 minutes, with the lighting of the beacon taking place at 9.30pm.
North Wales Chronicle
01-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor to host military parade to mark 1,500th anniversary
The parade, which has been two years in the planning, will take place on Thursday, May 29, and will be one of the key highlights of the city's anniversary celebrations. The parade will begin at 11.30am at the War Memorial, Glanrafon, and will proceed down the high street and Dean Street. A formal salute will be given at 12 noon by the town clock, before the parade ends back at the Storiel playing fields at 12.30pm. Just under 200 serving soldiers and airmen from RAF Valley will be marching, joined by veterans and cadets from bases in London, Catterick, and Cardiff. A planned low-pass over the high street by RAF Valley, weather permitting, will add a dramatic aerial element to the events. The Royal Welsh and Regimental Goat will lead the parade, followed by the Army Band travelling from Catterick. The Welsh Guards were granted the Freedom of the City of Bangor in 2014, strengthening their historic ties with the city, as well as with the Royal Welsh and RAF Valley in the years that followed. Welsh Guards Regimental Adjutant Lt. Col. Guy Bartle-Jones said: "What Bangor City Council has achieved in pulling together such a grand military salute to the city's 1,500-year anniversary is quite unique and highly commendable." READ MORE: New Age UK campaign urges midlifers to be more active to prepare for later life Dr Martin Hanks, city director at Bangor City Council, added: "We are immensely proud to see Bangor host such a meaningful and significant event. "The time, effort and dedication shown by key partners have been fantastic, and for that we are extremely grateful. "The parade is not just a celebration of service, but a reflection of the deep respect and unity within our city. "Join us for this historic occasion as Bangor honours its past and looks forward to its future."
North Wales Chronicle
25-04-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor celebrates 1500 years with park improvements
The Bible Gardens, located in the heart of the city, will undergo a significant makeover thanks to the efforts of Bangor City Council, in collaboration with the Cathedral. Preparatory work for this major facelift of these iconic and popular town gardens has already begun. The tranquil space, situated adjacent to the Cathedral, was established in 1961 by Dr Tatham Whitehead, who was then a Professor of Botany at the University College of North Wales. The garden was designed to feature plants and trees mentioned in the Bible. Dr Whitehead's extensive research identified 148 individual plants referenced in the scriptures, and he sought to cultivate as many of these as possible within the garden. In January 2025, Bangor University commenced improvement works on Parc y Coleg (College Park). The project includes the creation of a new entrance off Deiniol Road, the construction of a pathway connecting the city centre with the Main Arts building and Pontio, and the installation of lighting to improve accessibility after dusk. Initial efforts involved thinning out wooded areas and addressing invasive species to enhance visibility and promote the growth of native flora. Deputy Vice Chancellor Andrew Edwards said: "Parc y Coleg is a vital green space, naturally linking Bangor University and the city. "Its transformation aims to enhance regeneration, creating a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy while strengthening our connection with the community." The vision for Parc y Coleg is to improve accessibility, transforming it into a place of education and enjoyment. The land adjacent to Sackville Road and Deiniol Road, near the Asda roundabout, has been generously donated to the City Council by a local businessman. The Council plans to transform this significant area into a pleasant community space, including a quiet area in the middle of Bangor. The renovation is expected to take place over the next few months and aims to create a calming, green environment for both pedestrians and passing vehicles. Bangor City Director Dr Martin Hanks stated: "These improvements reflect our commitment to transforming Bangor and will lead to lasting changes in the city, making it a more pleasant place to live and work well beyond 2025."
