THE plan to link Bangor and Newtownards along a purpose-built Greenway has taken a major step forward with the unveiling of the Whitespots Line.
The Line is the first stage of a major project which will eventually allow people to walk from Belfast to Comber, on to Newtownards and finally into Bangor.
The completion of the work on the Whitespots Line was recently celebrated at an event attended by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and the deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down Vicky Moore as well as project partners, funders, contractors and community representatives.
Stretching across 5.4km and costing over £5.6m, the active travel route links Newtownards and Bangor and is expected to be open fully to the public in early May.
Major funding support for the project was provided by both the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in conjunction with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) through the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and the council.
The new shared-use path provides opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling while showcasing the area’s natural environment through a safe, accessible and scenic route.
Work is now underway on a section of the Newtownards to Comber ‘Scrabo Line’, which is the first phase in a project that will connect Bangor to Ards, on to Comber, and join the established greenway running right through to Belfast.
Plans are also advancing for a Bangor to Donaghadee connection, with the council committed to building an interconnected, accessible and environmentally responsible greenway network across Ards and North Down.
Welcoming the project, Mrs Moore, said it was ‘a significant step forward for sustainable travel, community wellbeing and connectivity across the borough’ and was an ‘important investment in our communities, our environment and our collective future’.
Minister Kimmins said greenways and active travel in general can help make lives better.
“Whether people are walking, wheeling or cycling to work, school, or for leisure, high quality active travel infrastructure can help facilitate a positive change in our lives,” she said.
“This new greenway will provide improved travel choices, providing people with the opportunity to travel more sustainably as part of their everyday journeys.”
The Minister congratulated everyone involved in the project, which received £2.9m from her department.
Lilian Greenwood, UK government Transport Minister said the completion of the Whitespots Line is a significant milestone for the project, which will make walking, wheeling, and cycling between Newtownards and Bangor easier, safer, and more accessible than ever before.
“We know investment in active travel helps people live happier and healthier lives. This is why we are backing Ards and North Down Borough Council with £3.2m through the Levelling up Fund, £2.3m of which is going to support this vital project.”
