Contractors have mobilised on site at Marine Gardens in Bangor, County Down, marking the start of the construction phase of the £70million Queen's Parade project.

The development will deliver new homes, a hotel, offices, retail, cafés, restaurants and a market plaza, reconnecting the city centre with the waterfront.

Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited the site to review progress, noting the pace of construction. He highlighted the collaborative work between his Department, Ards and North Down Borough Council, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and developer Bangor Marine, describing the milestone as "clearly visible behind the fences here".

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Bangor Marine secured £9.8m in UK Government funding for the Marine Gardens public realm component, which will feature a new play park, two pavilions, kiosks with food and beverage offerings, an events space, and associated landscaping. Aran Blackbourne of Bangor Marine Ltd confirmed the company's commitment to delivering a development that supports Bangor's long-term economic regeneration and enhances its status as a coastal destination.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, commented on the scale of the site, emphasising the potential of the redevelopment to transform the city's waterfront and city centre. Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, added that the project demonstrates how strategic urban regeneration can create spaces where communities can thrive.

Construction is now underway across the Queen's Parade site, setting the stage for a major regeneration that will reshape Bangor’s waterfront and city centre.