By Julie Waters
PLANS for a new state-of-the-art play park are to be included in the first phase of the Queen’s Parade redevelopment, the £14m Marine Gardens.
Details of a proposed £1m play park at the western end of the five hectare site emerged at a recent public information event organised by developers Bangor Marine.
It is understood designs for the play park are still being compiled with ongoing discussions with leading European designers to deliver a park that is hoped will be in the top one percent of play parks in Ireland.
Following concerns by local residents, it is understood there will be around 80 to 100 car parking spaces included in the development, although these will be paid for spaces. It is further understood that the Marine Gardens budget has been increased to an estimated £14m; with £9.8m from UK local government funding and £4.2m from the developer.
It is estimated that the Marine Gardens will take around a year to complete; the second phase, which is due to be largely retail and residential apartments on the land side of Queen’s Parade, will also be started this year.
The hotel and office space will be included in the third phase, with further apartments in the fourth phase due to start in 2027, with a completion date of 2028.
North Down MLA Stephen Dunne welcomed the progress that has been made since construction began earlier last month. “This development has the potential to completely revitalise our seafront, bring new life and investment into Bangor, and deliver real benefits for local people, businesses, and visitors alike,” he said.
“It is very encouraging that plans are advancing for a new state-of-the-art children’s play park which I believe would be a great attraction to have right in the heart of Bangor.”
However, the Assemblyman stressed: “Now that work is well underway, it is imperative that every effort is made to continue to drive this project forward, including on the land side of Queen’s Parade with the old buildings, which have been a blight on the landscape of Bangor for far too long.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for regeneration in Bangor and we must ensure it is delivered in a timely way. The Queen’s Parade redevelopment alongside the Bangor Waterfront Scheme which is being led by the council, and the Pickie Fun Park redevelopment all have the potential to be a real exciting game changer for Bangor and the wider North Down area.
“Sustained progress is key to delivering the outcomes of this major redevelopment programme.”
Bangor Central councillor Chris McCracken welcomed the new investment which he said will restore Bangor’s place as a premier coastal destination. “The £1m play park will be something that has never been seen before in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“I am also pleased that residents have been listened to about parking and this will ensure some of the parking is maintained. Together with the Pickie Fun Park redevelopment these will be first class attractions for the city.”
