Givan launches development brief for Queen’s Parade

Date published: 1 December 2016

Minister Givan said: “The regeneration of Queen’s Parade offers an exceptional opportunity to regenerate Bangor town centre by creating a new mixed retail, office, leisure and residential development.

“For almost 20 years much of this area of Bangor has lain dormant and underused however, I am now ready to take the much anticipated step of offering the site for sale. I am therefore inviting developers to submit their proposals to complete the scheme.”

The prominent 5.26 hectare site presents a major and high profile development opportunity at the centre of the town that will transform the waterfront and act as a catalyst for regeneration through the borough.

This development scheme will provide a social and economic boost to the town, and will make a substantial contribution to the local economy by generating jobs and attracting investment to the area. The plans will also reinforce links between High Street and Main Street in the town and enhance the current infrastructure with the creation of a new pedestrian street and up to 350 parking spaces.

Minister Givan continued: “This development brief sets out Bangor’s unique identity, its outstanding setting and illustrates the significant potential for an exciting mix of new uses to reinvigorate the waterfront and restore the town’s position as a prime destination with shoppers, families and tourists.

“The marina is a key part of the town but the existing car park currently imposes a physical and visual barrier to the coast. These proposals present a fantastic opportunity to upgrade and repair the waterfront and integrate it more with the rest of the town.

"These are exciting new plans which have the potential to move us towards meeting our regeneration objectives for Bangor. I look forward to hearing developers proposals to enhance the vision and turn it into a reality.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, has welcomed the development, saying: “The regeneration of Queen’s Parade is critical for the future of Bangor and to maximise the potential of the wider Ards and North Down borough as a whole. We want to see Bangor become a world class destination that is a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place for everyone to enjoy. In issuing this brief, we are seeking to deliver a scheme that will demonstrate excellent standards of urban design, economic viability and sustainability and will make Bangor a place we can all be proud of.”