Queens Parade redevelopment is a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise Bangor

January 27, 2021 2 min read

Wednesday 27 January 2021

There exists a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise Bangor with an aspirational approach to the regeneration of Queen's Parade, according to Green Party Councillor Stephen Dunlop.

Speaking after Ards & North Down Planning Committee granted planning permission for the Queen's Parade development last night, Cllr Stephen Dunlop said:

"Let's grasp this once in a generation opportunity and take an aspirational approach to the development of Queen's Parade, Bangor. There exists a rare chance to create a public space that serves future generations as well as the communities of today.

"Queen's Parade can serve up an authentic yet contemporary seaside town experience for residents and visitors. With that, we have an opportunity to develop urban infrastructure that's sustainable and accessible for all, making use of the very latest in green technology, with features like smart lighting, active travel infrastructure and living roofs.

"Our hospitality and tourism sectors have taken a battering through Covid-19. A revitalised Queen's Parade is an opportunity for us to build back better from the pandemic and revitalise Bangor.

"Of course, the development is constrained by outmoded planning policies which don't foster sustainability. However, I have held discussions with the consultants involved in this project and I've urged them to be aspirational and innovative. I will continue to engage with them and push for the very best in sustainable urban infrastructure for all of our citizens."

North Down Green Party MLA Rachel Woods added:

"There have been many false dawns around the redevelopment of Queen's Parade and local people are rightly anxious to see progress. I think that the planning proposal represents a positive step forward and an opportunity to take an aspirational approach to this redevelopment.

"This project has the potential to revitalise Bangor Town Centre and help our community to build back better with infrastructure that is sustainable and accessible for all. The hospitality and tourism sectors need all the assistance they can get and this redevelopment can come as a shot in the arm at the very right time.

"I have engaged with the consultants and will continue to push for the redevelopment to be underpinned by the very latest in sustainable, green urban design with energy efficiency at its core for the benefit of everyone in Bangor."

ENDS

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