Ritchie’s New Year resolution to bring Bangor back to its former glory

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today visited Bangor to announce Karl Greenfarm Properties Limited as the preferred developer for the regeneration of Queen’s Parade.

Alongside her announcement the Minister viewed the progress to date and emerging findings on the Masterplan and Transport assignments for the regeneration of the town.

Margaret Ritchie said: “For too long the heart of the town around Queen’s Parade has been lying empty, and is no surprise to have been recently voted Northern Ireland’s number one worst eyesore. Bangor was once regarded as Northern Ireland’s number one resort and I believe the plans for Marine Gardens, along with the masterplan and transport plans, will put Bangor back where it belongs as a unique and vibrant coastal town.

“Today I welcome the appointment of Karl Greenfarm Properties Limited as the Department’s preferred developer to take forward the ambitious regeneration of the Queen’s Parade area. This development offers a unique opportunity to reinvigorate Bangor town centre by creating a new mixed retail, office, leisure and residential development.”

It is estimated that up to 1,000 jobs will be created during construction with an additional 750 permanent jobs on offer when the development is complete.

In addition, the proposed scheme includes plans to enhance the public realm and civic uses of the waterfront area by creating a promenade, an outdoor performance space, public parks and tourist facilities.

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 750 parking spaces.

Margaret Ritchie continued saying: “It is clear from the public consultation process that the local community, business community and elected representatives are passionate about their town and want to ensure the area is properly developed. Whilst respecting Bangor’s Victorian and Edwardian past we must also looks to its future regeneration potential. My officials will put in place mechanisms to continue to involve the local community in this development process.

“But Bangor’s needs do not begin and end with Queen’s Parade. We also need to produce a comprehensive and coherent long term vision for Bangor which will guide the town’s development for the next 20 years. That is why I was happy to approve funding for a town centre masterplan for Bangor earlier this year. I also know that if any town is to grow and prosper, we need to make sure that transport into and around it is efficient and effective. That is why, in conjunction with the masterplan, I approved funding for a major transport study.”

Margaret Ritchie concluded saying: “The commencement of the Masterplan and Transport Assessment are also important steps towards identifying measures that will shape the future of Bangor. I believe they will help to ensure that the unique character of the town is preserved and restore Bangor’s image as the premier resort along the north eastern coast.”

Aran Blackbourne, Director of Karl Greenfarm Properties welcomed the Minister’s decision saying: “We believe Marine Gardens will bring the sort of regeneration project that Bangor town centre deserves. Our proposals present a fantastic opportunity to enhance and repair the waterfront and integrate the area more coherently within the town centre, and we are delighted that these plans have taken a step forward with today’s announcement that Karl Greenfarm has been selected as preferred developer.

“We look forward to working with DSD, the council and other stakeholders in preparation for the submission of a planning application next year.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Marine Gardens public consultation report was published on 2 December 2009. A copy of the Marine Gardens Evaluation Report may be downloaded from the DSD Website at http:// www.dsdni.gov.uk
2. The Masterplan assignment commenced in October 2009 and exercise is expected to take eight months to complete.
3. The Transport Assessment commenced in October 2009 and exercise is expected to take eight months to complete.
4. The proposed Marine Gardens scheme involves combining the development site with other properties extending to approximately 1.85 hectares adjacent to it, including the Queen’s Parade car park along the water front. The proposed scheme includes:
   · up to 380,000 ft2 of retail floor space with mix of retail units likely to meet the requirements of high quality retailers;
   · up to 39,000 ft2 restaurant development;
   · up to 110,000 ft2 of office accommodation;
   · approximately 212 residential units;
   · an hotel with up to 150 beds of at least 3* standard;
   · a 16,500 ft2 community facility; and
   · a combination of underground and multi-storey parking for up to 750 cars.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.