Northern Ireland-based, WH Stephens, has been appointed to oversee the management, design and delivery of the Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment project.

Design work and stakeholder engagement will start immediately, with construction scheduled for completion by 2028.

A key milestone was achieved at the end of May when Council Members approved the development agreement for Ballyholme Yacht Club. That same week, the Club's members voted decisively in favour of the redevelopment, allowing the initial phase to commence. Ballyholme Yacht Club will be the first of the five projects funded by the Belfast Region City Deal within the Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment Programme to move forward.

The Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment Programme represents a rare, transformative chance to transform a 2.2-mile stretch of coastline from Skippingstone to Bank's Lane in Ballyholme. This initiative is part of a broader range of ambitious projects across Northern Ireland, all supported by the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

The planned redevelopment will significantly improve Ballyholme Yacht Club's facilities, creating a state-of-the-art destination for water sports for the whole local community, and for Northern Ireland. The aspiration is to widen public participation across all ages and abilities. This aligns with Council's objectives under the Belfast Region City Deal to further increase community participation in water sports, attract more visitors to the Borough through large major events such as the ILCAs, and provide jobs.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart said: "I am delighted that Council and Ballyholme Yacht Club have agreed this ambitious redevelopment, the first of five innovative projects that make up the Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment programme.

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"BRCD and Council funding will, over the next the 10 years, transform the city, increasing footfall, visitor numbers and jobs. The BYC redevelopment will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to access water sports and attract international events that will boost the local economy and further put Bangor on the map.

"As a Northern Ireland based company since 1865, WH Stephens will be a superb asset to the project, and we look forward to working with them over the coming months."

Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons stated: "I am delighted that this first milestone has been reached on the Belfast Region City Deal funded Bangor Waterfront programme. My Department and Ards and North Down Borough Council have a long track record of delivering projects in partnership that have a positive impact on our communities. This is an important first step towards an exciting future for Bangor."

Rob Milligan, Commodore of Ballyholme Yacht Club commented: "We are thrilled that our members have voted in favour of this exciting redevelopment opportunity. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to be the home of champions and the premier coastal water sports club in Northern Ireland. By upgrading our facilities, we will enhance our ability to support much wider participation and excellence in water sports for all ages and abilities. In addition, the upgraded facilities will position us as a first-class venue for both local and international events, enabling us to win more bids and attract even more visitors to the region, boosting the local economy. We are excited for the future and the opportunities this project will bring."

WH Stephens Director Michael Murray added: "WH Stephens are delighted to have been appointed as Design Team Lead and Project Managers for the delivery of Ballyholme Yacht Club Water Sports Centre. In conjunction with Ards and North Down Borough Council, we look forward to delivering the future aspirations of Ballyholme Yacht Club, a high-quality community asset in keeping with the strategic objectives of the Bangor Waterfront regeneration works programme and Belfast Regional City Deal investment aims."

The Deal represents a new way of working between central and local government and regional partners to deliver a bespoke package of investment from central government and the BRCD partners of more than £850 million to support the delivery of a shared vision of: "Inclusive economic growth that delivers more and better jobs, a positive impact on communities in need and a balanced spread of benefits across the region".

The planned BYC Watersports Centre is one of five key regeneration projects within the transformative ANDBC Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment Programme. Other initiatives in this ambitious plan include enhancements to Pickie Fun Park and Bangor Marina, Phase II of the Court House development and major public realm improvements extending from Skippingstone Beach to Bank's Lane in Ballyholme.

Ballyholme Yacht Club has recently hosted one of the largest sailing events ever to be held around the island of Ireland - the ILCA6 Youth European Championships 2024. The event attracted 368 sailors from over 30 European countries and 14 non-European countries, who came to Ballyholme with family, friends and supporters. Of those taking part, 11 competitors were from Northern Ireland, including seven from North Down and six from Ballyholme Yacht Club itself. The event, blessed by good weather, comprised six days of racing, with two races a day and two race arenas.

Image: Simon Graham