In 2019, Bangor Marine partnered with the Department for Communities and Ards & North Down Council to lead a £50 million regeneration project at Queen’s Parade. The project’s first phase is Marine Gardens, a 5.25 acre public realm scheme that will feature a nautical-themed playpark, landscaped gardens, kiosks, pavilions and an event space. A £9.8m levelling up grant was awarded for the Gardens in January 2023, with work initially due to start that Autumn.
Connie Egan MLA commented: “It's been six years since the development agreement was signed and nearly two and half years since the grant for Marine Gardens was awarded, yet we still haven’t seen a spade in the ground."
“Queen’s Parade is in a terrible state and the ongoing delays are unacceptable. Local residents and businesses want action, so I have asked the Communities Minister a number of questions to determine when work will begin.”
Councillor McCracken added: “This disruption and delay cannot continue. The people we represent demand action, and the Alliance Party are calling for a three-point plan."
“First, we are calling on the Council to arrange a special meeting of Bangor’s City Action Group within weeks, so that Bangor Marine can make a final presentation to stakeholders and confirm a guaranteed start date.”
“Second, we would ask Council, the Department for Communities and UK Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to prepare alternative options for the delivery of the project, should this unfortunately be necessary, including the potential for an new regeneration agency, publicly owned but with commercial freedom, like the successful Laganside Corporation established in 1989.”
“Third, by the end of this year we are asking for a commercial marketing plan for the rest of Queen’s Parade. The proposed £50m must primarily be raised from the private sector, but no plan is currently in place to secure this investment. This needs to be urgently addressed, with a bespoke marketing initiative dovetailed with other critical developments, such as the relocation of Council offices to Bangor Waterfront, providing a catalyst for wider regeneration.”
Ms Egan concluded: “Alliance will continue to represent the people on this issue, both at the Assembly and the Council Chamber. We will be pressing for urgent action and the delivery of our three-point plan."
