Bangor by the Sea

AMERICAN BUSINESS LEADERS HAIL BANGOR’S REGENERATION PROGRESS
Bangor’s changing waterfront has drawn praise from a visiting US delegation, with one senior New York business leader describing the city as “a place which is on the way up”.

More than 20 American business leaders, government representatives and elected politicians toured the Marine Gardens site last Thursday as part of International Homecoming 2026, an event celebrating links between Northern Ireland and the USA.

The visit brought the delegation together with Bangor Marine representatives, Council officials and the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, for discussions about the regeneration taking place and opportunities for future investment.

Among those visiting was Elizabeth Crowley, President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers’ Association and a former elected member of New York City Council. For her, Bangor’s waterfront offered particular promise.

“I love what I see here. As soon as I got off the bus, I could see that Bangor is a place which is on the way up. We were all impressed.

“The beautiful waterfront and elevated landscape are unique, and I think they are special. In New York, I have seen how we have transformed our waterfront over a generation, using the water to build greater resilience in our city. I think Bangor can achieve that too.

“I can’t wait to come back in a few years and see how far you have progressed.”

Beyond the site tour, the visit provided an opportunity to introduce Bangor to people with business, investment and political connections across the Atlantic.

Councillor Blaney said those conversations were an important part of the day.

“This was a brilliant day for Bangor. The group included business leaders, investors and politicians, and some important conversations took place during the visit.

“It is encouraging to hear international visitors speak so positively about what is already happening here and the potential for further growth. I am always happy to welcome visitors to Bangor, and this was an especially positive occasion.

“We want Bangor to be recognised as a place that is open for business, open to tourists and open for investment.”

Council Chief Executive Susie McCullough and Bangor Marine representatives Aran Blackbourne and Damian Mitchell also addressed the delegation, outlining progress and the partnerships supporting the city’s regeneration.

For Mr Mitchell, the value of the visit extended beyond the immediate response to the work at Marine Gardens. He said the connections made could help raise Bangor’s profile in the USA and build relationships for the years ahead.

“Building a successful city depends on multiple relationships and partnerships, particularly when you are emerging from a prolonged period of stagnation.

“We are delighted to be working with the Council and the Department for Communities, but it is equally important to build relationships with people and organisations beyond Bangor and Northern Ireland.

“I have no doubt this group leaves Bangor with a positive impression. We have created a group of ambassadors who will speak positively about what we are working hard to achieve here.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:-
1: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘚 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦
2: 𝘓 - 𝘙: 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘖'𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘮, 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭 𝘊𝘌𝘖 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘦 𝘔𝘤𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘩.
3: 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘖'𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘚 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 '𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨' 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬. 𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚.
Imagine the excitement of a child using a wheelchair who can follow a ramp into a play tower and join the adventure above ground.

That is part of the vision behind the new accessible playpark proposed for Bangor’s New Marine Gardens, and it deserves real enthusiasm.

Designer Unipark has revealed a bespoke, sea-inspired space with a wooden shipwreck, adventure towers and Bangor’s legendary mermaid Lí Ban watching over the fun alongside her otter companion.

There is plenty to capture young imaginations, but the thought given to inclusion makes this especially exciting: wheelchair-accessible roundabout, an adapted swing and several other different ways to have fun. The design also includes sensory play and quieter spaces for children who need a gentler experience.

For families who regularly have to ask whether somewhere will work for their child, those details matter enormously.

This is why the development deserves support. Regeneration should give people reasons to come into Bangor, spend time here and feel welcome.

Picture the seafront alive with children playing, parents and grandparents watching, and families staying a little longer.

After so many years of waiting, this is a future worth getting behind.

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧
There’s good news from Bangor Marina, with its first five months under Council management producing a surplus almost £73,000 higher than budgeted.

The Council took over the operation of its marina and harbour from boatfolk on the 1st April. Figures obtained by BangorByTheSea show that, between April and the end of August, the marina brought in £963,165 against expenditure of £399,047, leaving a reported surplus of £564,118.

That’s a welcome start for an important part of Bangor’s waterfront, and a place that brings visitors, activity and trade into the city.

There is, of course, a winter to get through before we know how the full year has gone. The marina always earns more during the first half of the financial year, when more berths are occupied, and summer brings more visiting boats. Income slows during the quieter months, but wages, maintenance and other bills still need to be paid.

The £564,118 is therefore a surplus for those first five months, rather than a full year’s profit. The existing annual budget anticipates a surplus of £237,300, although this was based on the previous outsourced operation. The Council has yet to provide an updated forecast based on its experience of running the marina directly.

A few costs also need clarification. The changeover cost is around £42,600, but it is unclear whether this is included in the reported expenditure. The figures don't confirm whether all wider Council costs have been accounted for either.

Meanwhile, the Council reports around £29,300 in routine maintenance spending. This includes survey and design work for repairs to the central pier’s corrosion protection system, the reintroduction of car park barriers and improved lighting. Budgets for carrying out those projects will follow once they are approved.

A fuller performance report is due in December. For now, income is above expectations, and spending is below budget, giving us good reason to feel encouraged about the marina’s future.

Credit should also go to the marina staff, whose day-to-day work, experience and welcome to visiting crews remain at the heart of its continuing success.

𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡?

Remember the plans to give Bingham Lane a new lease of life?

From cleaning up the lane and improving lighting and greenery, to making better use of its yards and creative spaces, the plans offered a lot to look forward to. Longer term, there were ideas for bringing empty buildings back into use and adding mews housing, helping this overlooked corner of Bangor become somewhere people live, work and spend time.

Last year’s Bingham Lane Festival gave us a glimpse of what was possible. People stopped, explored and enjoyed somewhere they might normally hurry through.

Since then, things seem to have gone rather quiet. More than 18 months after the public consultation, the Council’s project page still refers back to that event, with no clear update on when permanent improvements might happen.

There may well be work going on behind the scenes, but it would be good to hear where things stand. Is there funding? Have the plans moved forward? What’s the next step?

With so much attention on the waterfront, let’s keep these smaller corners of Bangor in the picture too. Bingham Lane has real potential, and it would be a shame to see another good idea quietly fade away.

𝐀 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘

Being able to cross the road safely, meet a friend or get out without depending on someone else can mean everything. That’s what making Bangor accessible is about: the freedom to live your life.

For local sight loss campaigner Ken Carson, that freedom has been hard won. He describes losing his sight as a grieving process, but support from RNIB Northern Ireland and Sensory Support helped him find his feet again. Now he enjoys tennis, golf, kayaking and even snowtubing.

He’s also helping others regain their independence. Ken chairs Bangor’s SIGHT campaigning group, which was instrumental in lobbying for a new controlled crossing on the Ring Road. Something many of us might barely notice can make a world of difference to someone who cannot see the traffic clearly.

His contribution was recognised at Bangor Castle on Thursday 8 October, when RNIB NI and Ards and North Down Borough Council marked World Sight Day and their work towards a ‘Visibly Better Borough’.

As Bangor changes, people’s everyday experiences must help shape it. Listen to those who struggle to get around. Involve them in the decisions. Make sure they can enjoy the places being created.

A city’s progress means so much more when everyone can be part of it.

PHOTO CAPTION:-
RNIB NI Ambassador Ken Carson with guide dog Waffle standing on the steps of Bangor Castle on World Sight Day

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦’ 𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗

The key obstacle to the campaigner’s alternative parking concept is DfI’s position on Queen’s Parade as a vital part of the city centre road infrastructure.

According to Bangor Marine’s most recent statement, DfI has confirmed that it has no proposals to amend Bangor’s city-centre public road network. Queen’s Parade remains a necessary public road under its control, meaning the road changes required by the concept cannot proceed within the current arrangements.

This is the primary reason Bangor Marine considers the alternative unviable, alongside the additional safety, congestion and space concerns identified by its professional advisers.

The campaigners’ proposal for boulevard-style parking along Queen’s Parade faced an obvious challenge from the outset, with insufficient room to accommodate parking bays, moving traffic and safe pedestrian space.

After several weeks of consideration, the Boulevard scheme has been formally rejected as a potential alternative to Bangor Marine’s proposed 81-space car park on the grassy strip.

The developer’s reasons were clear:

• 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: Angled bays would create concerns about reversing vehicles, visibility of pedestrians and insufficient manoeuvring space.

• 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗘: The proposed layout would not fit between the new buildings and Marine Gardens while retaining adequate footpath space and pedestrian flow.

• 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦: Queen’s Parade is a key public traffic route. The developer said the necessary changes would involve a complex, lengthy legal process.

• 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Alterations to traffic lanes, and queuing space and additional parking bays would be likely to worsen congestion.

BANGORBYTHESEA
Beyond the practical objections, a ribbon of parking along Queen’s Parade would undermine the welcoming waterfront setting of the new Marine Gardens and the entire Queens Parade development.
Increasing the density of vehicles on the main road is not a solution.

Space for strolling, meeting friends and enjoying the new cafés and restaurants would compete with parking bays and reversing vehicles.

For many people, that would be a deeply unwelcome trade-off.
A new waterfront designed around people is likely to hold far greater appeal than one lined with parked cars at the centre of it all.

It would be difficult to sacrifice the long-awaited transformation of Queen’s Parade and new Marine Gardens, which showcase Bangor’s marina and deliver the regeneration promised for 40 years, simply to preserve a relatively small and underused grassy strip.

𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 ⚓

HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to sail up Belfast Lough early tomorrow morning, Wednesday 7 October, definitely a sight worth watching for from Bangor’s shoreline.

At around 65,000 tonnes and 280 metres long, she belongs to the largest class of warships ever built for the Royal Navy. Her enormous flight deck covers roughly the area of three football pitches and is designed to operate F-35B fighter jets and helicopters.

With her distinctive twin towers rising above the flight deck, this is certainly no ordinary passing ship.

If you’re up early and manage to capture her on camera, we’d love to see your photographs! 📷

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥’𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡:
𝗔 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗘𝗧 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧

For some, Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a place to meet a familiar face or enjoy a little fresh air. For others, it offers comfort during difficult times, a quiet spot to remember someone, or simply a chance to slow down and breathe.

Now, research by Queen’s University Belfast has put a value on what this much-loved place gives back.

An independent study commissioned by Ards and North Down Borough Council estimates that the garden delivers £1.68 million in social benefits every year- that's £6.71 for every £1 spent maintaining it.

That value is measured in better wellbeing, physical activity, social connections, volunteering and education. It is felt in everyday lives.

Drawing on a public survey with 591 responses, alongside interviews and focus groups, the research found a place that helps ease stress, lift moods and reduce isolation. Somewhere people can feel welcome, connected and part of their community.

The report describes new mothers visiting with Sure Start, people finding comfort after bereavement, and volunteers sharing their knowledge while gaining friendship, skills and purpose. Visitors learn about plants, wildlife and the changing seasons. Others come simply because being there makes their day better.

Queen’s researcher Dr Louise Taylor captures its impact:

“The Walled Garden inspires, uplifts, rejuvenates and soothes those who visit and work in it.”

The researchers believe their financial estimate is conservative. Benefits to children, ecological value and pride in the place were not fully captured. Even their lowest estimate showed a substantial positive social return.

One recommendation stands out: keep it free. The ability to step through those gates without having to spend money is central to what makes the garden so valuable.

This is powerful recognition of the Council staff and volunteers who care for it, and of what thoughtful investment in public spaces can achieve.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden gives people room to recover, reconnect and enjoy life. Queen’s research offers compelling evidence that caring for this garden is also an investment in the people of Bangor.

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥’𝗦 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥
Some of Bangor’s most remarkable waterfront regeneration is happening out of sight, beneath the boats.

Often dismissed as a boat park or a playground for the wealthy, Bangor Marina has another identity: a marine habitat where wildlife finds food, shelter and places to breed.

Harbour Master Kevin Baird has described a family of otters living around the marina, alongside visiting seals and the familiar black guillemots. These are our native European otters, equally at home along the coast as in rivers. Underwater research cameras have also recorded a grey seal and a large conger eel, revealing a world that most people walking past never see.

Beneath the pontoons, native oysters are helping write the next chapter.

Ulster Wildlife established Northern Ireland’s first native oyster nursery here in 2022. Protected in submerged cages, mature oysters can breed and release larvae into Belfast Lough, supporting the recovery of a species whose once-extensive populations were devastated by overfishing, pollution, and disease.

As oysters feed, they filter particles from the water. The reefs they form provide shelter and food for other marine life, helping rebuild an entire habitat.

There have already been intriguing discoveries. In 2024, the elusive marine worm Leodice harassi was recorded at Bangor’s oyster nursery. At that time, Ulster Wildlife reported just 15 records of the species in Northern Ireland. A tiny creature, but a striking glimpse of the biodiversity hidden beneath our feet.

The wider restoration effort advanced in January 2026, with 2,000 adult oysters and more than 30,000 juveniles placed on the seabed of Belfast Lough. Bangor’s nursery forms part of the network supporting that recovery.

The marina’s role in making space for nature stretches back decades. During redevelopment in 1987, researcher Julian Greenwood worked with architects and builders to protect Bangor’s black guillemot colony. Young birds were allowed to fledge before the old structures were removed, and 27 nesting crevices were created in the new structures, helping the colony grow.

That is the wider lesson from Bangor Marina. Thoughtful design and careful management can give wildlife a foothold in places built for people. A pier can provide nesting space. A pontoon can support a nursery. A working waterfront can contribute to nature’s recovery.

The boats are only part of what we see.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮? Share your photographs and encounters below.