Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Bangor to announce funding towards an innovative revitalisation project in Queens Parade, Bangor.

Speaking from the proposed location of the project Nelson McCausland said: "This Revitalisation project will capitalise on Bangor's vibrant art and craft scene by creating a new space for artists to display their work in the Queen's Parade area. The recent opening of the Pickie Fun Park has brought many more visitors into the town and this inventive project will help to build on this success by providing a new dynamic offering in the town. This is a short term project that proposes to make use of the vacant site along Queen’s Parade in advance of the major mixed use scheme proceeding. I am aware that plans for the development of this area are taking longer than we all would have liked, however the developer is currently speaking to the people that live and own property within the proposed boundary. It is right that sufficient time is allowed for these negotiations to conclude and my Department will carefully review the position at the end of October. "

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The Revitalisation project is another action that DSD is taking with Council and local business in taking forward proposals to develop and strengthen the economic regeneration of Bangor Town Centre. North Down Borough Council will oversee the delivery of the ’24 Project’ and the works will include :

•Specially designed bespoke Artist’s Pods providing 24 mini studios for 24 artists to take residency and display works;

•In 24 months the Artist’s Pods will be relocated to another site within the town to sustain the venture;

•The area around the ‘art pods’ will be landscaped and developed to create some seating and performance space in front of the pods for events and displays;

•A new community garden offering the local community the opportunity to grow both plants and vegetables.

(CD/GK)