Bangor’s Iconic Royal Hotel Set for Demolition and Major Redevelopment

Bangor’s iconic Royal Hotel, a historic seafront building on Quay Street, is set to be completely demolished due to severe corrosion in its steel support columns.

While previous redevelopment plans aimed to retain the original facade, Ards and North Down Council has now approved a full demolition of both the Royal Hotel and the Windsor Bar to make way for a modern mixed-use development.

The new project, led by Expedia Capital Ltd, will include:

✅ 35 new apartments
✅ Two restaurants
✅ A retail unit
✅ On-site car parking

Demolition & Rebuilding: What’s Changing?

The Royal Hotel, originally established in 1841, has been a key feature of Bangor’s seafront for nearly two centuries. While the current building dates back to 1931, its Art Deco architecture and six-story corner turret have long made it a local landmark.

Despite initial hopes of preserving the facade, structural issues made this impossible.

A council report confirmed that severe corrosion in the steel columns supporting the building made restoration unfeasible.

The facade will instead be fully rebuilt in a “like-for-like” manner, replicating the original architectural details, including:

• White-rendered facades with white-framed windows

• Black-rendered ground floor

• Striking pilaster columns and ornamental features

Why Was Demolition Approved?

The council explored alternative preservation methods—such as cathodic protection and reinforced steel columns—these were ruled out due to:

❌ Advanced corrosion, making cathodic protection ineffective
❌ Potential structural instability from installing new internal columns
❌ Risk of vibration damage to the existing front facade

Public & Council Reactions

Unlike many heritage demolitions, no objections were lodged against the plans. In fact, the only public response was a letter of support, describing the redevelopment as a “wonderful opportunity for the rebirth of an iconic seafront building.”

While planning officers expressed concern that once demolished, there is no turning back, they ultimately agreed that the Royal Hotel’s design makes it more suitable for faithful reproduction than older, less precise structures.

Impact on Bangor’s Regeneration

Planning officials believe the redevelopment will contribute to the revitalization of Bangor city centre, with new restaurant and retail spaces complementing existing businesses and boosting the evening economy.

Although the new Crosby Street elevation will extend eight meters closer to the Salvation Army building, the council found no negative impact on its surroundings.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Hotel has long been a defining feature of Bangor’s seafront, and while its demolition marks the end of an era, the council hopes this ambitious redevelopment will breathe new life into the city’s historic heart.