Plans for a £50 million regeneration project at Queen's Parade and Marine Gardens in Bangor have taken a major leap forward.

Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, has submitted a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.

The scheme sets out a vision for Marine Gardens, combining an external events space, cafes, sheltered promenade & kiosks, beach, seafront lawns, children's play area & water feature, a hotel, a destination/cinema building, residential units, commercial/retail/restaurant space, office space, a play zone, refurbishment of existing commercial properties, basement car park, and marketplace & courtyard squares.

If approved, the project will bring a host of new jobs to the area.

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Members of the public have been urged to make their voices heard regarding the project in the upcoming consultation.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery has described the scheme as "critical to the future of Bangor" and emphasised its importance to the economic growth potential of the wider borough.

"With the formal planning application now submitted, I am delighted that we are taking such a significant and exciting step forward in this important investment project," Mayor Keery said.

"We very much look forward to working with Bangor Marine Ltd, alongside colleagues from Department for Communities, to help make Bangor a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place for residents, visitors and investors alike."

Aran Blackbourne, from Bangor Marine Ltd, added: "We are delighted to submit our exciting plans for the transformation of Queen's Parade and Marine Gardens in Bangor. Submission of these plans follows a period of extensive and meaningful engagement with Ards and North Down Borough Council, the Department for Communities and, most importantly the people of Bangor.

"We welcome the overwhelmingly positive feedback received during our far-reaching pre-application community consultation and look forward to working with all project partners and statutory agencies to support a positive planning outcome. Bangor Marine is committed to progressing this application through to conclusion and hope to begin work on these exciting plans as soon as possible."

(CM/JG)