LOCAL residents and businesses have been invited to have their say on the latest plans to transform Bangor’s derelict Flagship Centre into a ‘Marina Village’.
The Northhold Group has unveiled proposals to regenerate the long empty Main Street centre into a ‘mixed use destination focused on entertainment, leisure and business in the heart of Bangor’.
The former center enjoyed mixed fortunes when it opened its doors in the 1990s with Dunnes as its anchor tenant it was at the heart of the city’s thriving retail centre. However it has been closed since 2019, along with many of lower Main Street’s large retail units.
Local residents, businesses and stakeholders will be able to view the proposals, speak with the project team and share their views at the public consultation event, on Thursday, February 26, at Bangor’s Court House, from 3pm to 7pm.
Display boards outlining the proposals will be available to view, with members of the consultation team on hand to answer questions and collect feedback.
The Northhold Group, an investment company, is launching the pre-application public consultation to gather feedback from the local community before submitting a planning application.
Feedback can be provided at the consultation event, online, or in writing to the consultation team by 5pm on Friday, March 27.
The proposed Marina Village development is set to renovate the centre into a ‘dynamic hub’ designed to enhance Bangor’s city centre offering and support its ongoing regeneration.
Plans for the scheme include a range of new uses aimed at creating a lively, all-day destination for residents, visitors and businesses.
The proposals feature food and beverage venues, family entertainment, indoor sports and recreation, including a gym and padel courts.
There are also plans for business and start-up space, including offices and incubator units, with the redevelopment set to support retail, community and cultural uses.
A spokesperson for the Northhold Group spoke of its investment in the city centre.
“Northhold Group sees significant potential in Bangor and we are proud to be bringing forward proposals for a major new investment that will help revitalise and create a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
“Marina Village represents an opportunity to reimagine the Flagship Shopping Centre as a modern hub that reflects how people now want to spend their time, combining leisure, entertainment, hospitality and flexible business space in one accessible location.
“We are committed to working closely with the local community and stakeholders as we develop these plans and we would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation process to share their views and help shape this exciting new chapter for Bangor.”
