By Julie Waters
THE Marine Gardens development firm is pushing ahead with its plans for a controversial car park at Queen’s Parade but is ‘reviewing’ the number spaces it intends to put in place.
A week after the latest public protest against the proposed plans for a 90-space paid seafront car park, the developer Bangor Marine has confirmed its parking plans.
The developer is driving ahead with its plans for a car park and £1m play park at Queen’s Parade, despite calls by local councillors for the car park plans to be shelved or for an alternative site to be found.
Local residents have also strongly objected to the proposal with 3,000 people signing an online petition against the plans, and the granting of a 125-year lease to the developer for the car park.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Bangor Marine said it was ’reviewing’ the number of car parking spaces as this would ensure ‘the right balance between local considerations and the needs of the wider’ £14m Marine Gardens project.
Stating it was ‘aware of concerns expressed by some residents’ Bangor Marine has also pledged to ‘retain as many existing trees as possible’.
The firm has also set out its intention to introduce a ‘significant number of native and climate appropriate species’ and to present the car park and £1m play park in a ‘soft, fully landscaped form that complements the area’s coastal character’.
“We continue to develop our design to ensure we deliver a redevelopment project that transforms Bangor into a city all its people and representatives can be proud of.
“Marine Gardens and the city’s revitalised waterfront, including the new free and inclusive playpark attraction, will welcome families and visitors alike, helping to boost the city’s economy.
“We are aware of concerns expressed by some residents, and relayed by elected representatives, regarding the car park and new enhanced playpark attraction.We are committed to presenting a design that addresses those concerns while still enabling a successful long-term redevelopment project.”
Addressing concerns about the loss of the park area, the developer: “We will retain as many existing trees as possible, introduce a significant number of new native and climate- appropriate species with year-round seasonal interest, and present the car park and playpark in a soft, fully landscaped form that complements the area’s coastal character.
“Across Marine Gardens as a whole, the project delivers a substantial increase in open green space, new trees and planting, including new garden areas designed for relaxation and sensory planting.
“We are also reviewing the number of parking spaces to ensure the right balance between local considerations and the needs of the wider project.”
The developer stressed that ‘Marine Gardens is being delivered for all residents in Bangor and the wider borough’ and sought to regenerate the struggling city centre.
“In our public meetings, people have expressed frustration with increasing levels of anti-social behaviour, concern about the decline of the city centre, and a desire for a waterfront that brings energy, activity, pride, and, most importantly, people back into Bangor. That is what this project is designed to achieve.
“We are engaged in an ongoing process with the Council, the Department for Communities and other stakeholders, and remain committed to sharing our designs and images as part of that decision-making process when those are ready.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver a project that brings new life to Bangor and builds a city the whole community can be proud of.”
