Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has officially announced that £8.5 million in funding has been approved for Ards and North Down Borough Council to undertake the redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park.

The project will receive £7.4 million from the Executive's City/Growth Deals Complementary Fund, supplemented by an additional £1.1 million from the Environment Fund, with the Council contributing further funds, bringing the total investment close to £10 million.

This funding will support Phase 1 of the Council's plans for Whitespots Country Park, including the improvement of current paths and trails for enhanced visitor accessibility, the establishment of a dedicated area for trial bikes, and the construction of a new visitor hub equipped with toilets and refreshment amenities.

Additionally, the funding will facilitate the restoration of historical features such as old mine shafts and windmill towers, alongside the enhancement of woodland to align with the Council's biodiversity objectives.

During a visit to the redevelopment site at Whitespots, Minister Muir said: "This investment of over £8.5 million to redevelop this parkland will not only transform the existing park but will also extend it to develop the derelict industrial site of the lead mines into an active community space for the people of Ards and North Down and visitors alike. This project will provide a significant capital injection in the area and will develop our local environment to provide much needed green space for citizens."

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Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, welcomed the Minister to the Whitespots site and said: "It's a pleasure to have Minister Muir on site with us to recognise this exciting step forward for Whitespots. With sympathetic and sustainable redevelopment, we firmly believe Whitespots has the potential to become 'a jewel in the crown' of our Borough. It is situated at the gateway to the Ards Peninsula and within easy reach of a significant population base. This funding will enable us deliver Phase 1 of our plans to create a Park that welcomes visitors of all ages, abilities and interests."

Minister Muir added: "The Complementary Fund will help highlight the industrial and social cultural history of the site whilst the Environment Fund will provide a significant opportunity for much improved access to nature for people of all abilities to explore and find out about the geodiversity, biodiversity and the fantastic views this site provides. This investment will encourage more visitors to Whitespots and will lead to the creation of new jobs, all of which is great for a sustainable local economy."

The Council has outlined an ambitious vision for the Park, to be implemented in phases contingent on securing funding, aimed at establishing a distinctive open landscape. Conceptual plans feature a nationally significant 'trails experience' that is fully accessible, alongside new woodland areas, restored historical elements like mining and military features, a playground and the possibility of adventure sports such as zip lines and a pump track. Additionally, initiatives to improve connections to Cairn Wood and the Borough's Greenway network are also part of the proposed developments.

The Council has recently appointed local company McAdam Design as the lead consultant for the project. McAdam will be working on designs for the Park to be submitted to the Planning Service in mid-2026. McAdam Director, Stephen Harding, commented: "McAdam are excited about the opportunity to work with Ards and North Down Borough Council in unlocking the great potential of Whitespots Country Park, to bring this hidden gem to life and deliver environmental, health and wellbeing and heritage benefits to the communities of Newtownards, Bangor and beyond. Together with the Council we will be engaging with current users, local stakeholders, environment and heritage agencies and potential investors in the area as we aim to develop sensitive but inspiring design ideas for the Park."

Whitespots Country Park is located between Bangor and Newtownards. A portion of the park is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) in recognition of the site's mineralogy. The park also houses former lead mines developed in the 18th and 19th centuries underscoring its pivotal role in Ireland's mining heritage.