Get ready for a major transformation in Bangor! Ards and North Down Council is moving its headquarters to the Queen’s Parade, revitalizing an old B&M Bargains site into a modern civic hub. Imagine all local services under one roof, boosting the city centre and creating new opportunities. What will this mean for the future of Bangor?
Ards and North Down Borough Council has officially confirmed its decision to proceed with the Queen’s Parade site in Bangor as the prime location for its innovative new civic offices, marking a significant step in the region’s urban regeneration efforts.
This pivotal development involves repurposing the former B&M Bargains building on Main Street, a move anticipated to centralise approximately 400 administrative employees into a single, modern hub. This consolidation is not merely about office space; it signifies the creation of a dynamic new home for council meetings, civic functions, and community events, fostering greater efficiency and public accessibility.
Currently, the council’s operations are geographically dispersed, with committee meetings and administrative tasks handled in Newtownards, while full monthly council meetings convene at Bangor Castle. This fragmented approach has prompted a strategic “rationalisation” of its estate, culminating in the decision to relocate around 420 employees to a purpose-built facility in Bangor’s bustling centre.
The council’s departure from Bangor Castle, its home for 73 years, opens up new possibilities for the Victorian landmark, which is now slated for public consultation regarding its future use. This transition underscores the council’s forward-thinking vision, prioritising modern infrastructure while preserving historical assets for potential community benefit.
The new civic offices are an integral component of the much larger, long-delayed Bangor Queen’s Parade scheme, initially approved in January 2021 and spearheaded by Bangor Marine Ltd. This ambitious project aims to extensively redevelop a currently underutilised area of the town, promising a transformative impact on the local landscape.
Beyond the council headquarters, the comprehensive Queen’s Parade master plan encompasses the construction of new residential properties, a 66-bedroom hotel, a state-of-the-art cinema and leisure complex, and a significant public realm enhancement scheme. New streets, an events space, and a vibrant array of cafes and restaurants are also planned, creating a multi-faceted urban destination.
Significantly, the Ards and North Down Council confirms that full planning consent for the office space at Queen’s Parade is already secured, with the new accommodation fronting Main Street. This strategic location and integrated design allow for the potential inclusion of other public sector partners, such as the Department of Education, NIHE, and the Job and Benefits Office, envisioning a unique, comprehensive public service hub.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, emphasised the project’s strategic importance, stating, “Choosing Queen’s Parade underlines our vision for a vibrant, resilient city centre.” She highlighted how a new council headquarters in Bangor City Centre represents a direct investment in the city’s future, projecting job creation, increased footfall, and a tangible strengthening of the urban core, ultimately benefiting residents through enhanced services and economic stimulus.
