Bangor Marine the JV between Karl Group and Farrans has submitted a planning application for the £50m regeneration project at Queen’s Parade, Bangor
The proposal has been submitted to Ards and North Down Borough Council for the transformation of Queen’s Parade.
The redevelopment includes a 67-bedroom hotel, 70,000 sq ft of office accommodation, 138 residential units, the creation of a new public realm area adjacent to the promenade, food and beverage outlets and an undercroft car park.
Bangor Marine was created specifically to deliver this regeneration project, which will provide the opportunity to create a leading waterfront destination. The scheme will regenerate a historic development opportunity site.
Transformation of Queen’s Parade
A spokesperson on behalf of Bangor Marine, said: “We are delighted to submit our exciting plans for the transformation of Queen’s Parade and Marine Gardens in Bangor. Submission of these plans follows a period of extensive and meaningful engagement with Ards and North Down Borough Council, the Department for Communities and, most importantly the people of Bangor.
“We welcome the overwhelmingly positive feedback received during our far-reaching pre-application community consultation and look forward to working with all project partners and statutory agencies to support a positive planning outcome.
“Bangor Marine is committed to progressing this application through to conclusion and hope to begin work on these exciting plans as soon as possible.”
A better connection
Central to the plans is a vibrant mixed-use scheme including the promotion of modern office space and town centre living.
The regeneration plans also seek to better connect Queen’s Parade with the seafront by redeveloping the Marine Gardens car park into a public realm area consisting of external events space, cafes, sheltered promenade and kiosks, beach, seafront lawns, children’s play area and water feature.
Angela Wiggam, director at planning consultants Turley, commented: “Queen’s Parade has been designed to reinvigorate Bangor town centre through the delivery of a high quality mixed use proposal and critical to this vision is the creation of high quality and attractive spaces and places between the new and existing buildings.”
Re-stitch Bangor back together
Nigel Murray of Todd Architects added: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to define the town for generations to come. The design takes its direction from the unique character of Bangor as a seaside town, marrying old and new, responding to the needs of residents and visitors alike.
“A key objective of the design has been to re-stitch the town back together, with a great deal of emphasis placed on creating connectivity through linked lanes and streets, whilst also providing welcoming, social and inclusive spaces.
“At a time when the vitality of our high streets and town centres is of significant concern, these plans provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the town centre through the delivery of a high quality mixed use proposal to secure long-term benefits for Bangor, creating employment, attracting visitors and stimulating further investment for the town and the local area.”
Following the planning submission, the application is expected to be brought to Ards and North Down planning committee later this year.
