Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced his Department's intention to take direct control of plans to develop Bangor's Queen's Parade Area.

The move will see the Department for Social Development (DSD) purchase the land portfolio owned by Karl Greenfarm Properties Limited. Site assembly and the task of obtaining planning permission for the Queen’s Parade scheme will now rest with the Department. DSD will work in partnership with North Down Borough Council and will also be engaging directly with local residents, business owners and all those who have shown an interest in the development plans.

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Mr McCausland said: "This is good news for Bangor. I have decided that my Department will step in to take direct control of plans for the development of the Queen’s Parade area of the town as outlined in the Bangor Town Centre Masterplan. Karl Greenfarm Properties Limited has agreed to sell their land portfolio to the Department to allow for the development of this area. This will drive forward the development of Queen’s Parade and in time it will help breathe life back into the town centre and restore Bangor’s image as a destination town with tourist appeal. This is a prime opportunity site which when developed will improve the economic performance of the town centre."

The masterplan identifies Queen’s Parade as the most significant opportunity within Bangor town centre and the redevelopment of this area to create a mixed use site offering a range of new services, offices, homes and retail expansion will create the catalyst for regeneration throughout Bangor. The masterplan was developed following extensive consultation with the private and public sector and is intended to inform the development of the town for the next 15 years.

(CD/GK)