Plans to revitalise the Queen's Parade area in Bangor, Co Down, have been unveiled by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The £75 million project is aimed at revitalising the town centre and the waterfront.

Preferred developer Angelvale Consortium presented its vision for the development scheme, subject to contract.

Led by Cubic3, an investment and development firm, the consortia includes various international entertainment and leisure investors/operators, as well as local organisations such as McLaughlin & Harvey, Beannchor, and Clanmil.

The project is a mixed use proposal with a wide range of facilities to balance indoor/outdoor, daytime/evening and social/commercial activity. It aims to attract a wide spectrum of additional visitors and spend per visit by primarily focusing on entertainment, leisure and hospitality.

The proposals include a four-star signature hotel with 80 beds that will overlook the waterfront and the enhanced pedestrian plaza. This will be developed by Beannchor, the company responsible for the Merchant and Bullitt hotels in Belfast. Linked to the hotel will be a family entertainment centre featuring adventure play, an indoor surf rider and virtual reality experiences. There will be a three auditorium cinema, which will also act as a flexible venue and theatre during festivals and concerts.

-- Advertisement --

A 'winter garden' will connect the entertainment and commercial elements via a covered space that can be used to house pop up events, markets and exhibitions. A maritime centre and seafront hospitality area adjacent to the waterfront plaza will be used for events and concerts overlooking the marina.

The proposals also integrate social investment in health, education and affordable homes and while maintaining a strong main street retail frontage will also aim to grow high quality niche retail to attract some exclusive offerings to the Northern Ireland marketplace. In addition, 360 car park spaces will be provided in an enclosed multi-story car park to the rear of the site.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, said: "This news is much anticipated by Council, residents and businesses in Bangor and the wider community. The regeneration of Queen's Parade is critical for the future of Bangor and will maximise the potential of the borough of Ards and North Down. The proposals made by Angelvale Consortium meet the regeneration objectives Council has for the town; they are innovative, they are unique and they are ambitious. We look forward to working with Angelvale Consortium, along with colleagues from the Department for Communities, to progress the proposals and meet our objective of making Bangor a world class destination that is a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place for everyone to enjoy."

(CD/LM)