Bangor Residents To Have Their Say On Queen's Parade Proposals

12 June 2006
BANGOR RESIDENTS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON QUEEN'S PARADE PROPOSALS
Residents of Bangor are to have their say on the development proposals for the Queen's Parade area of the town.
Social Development Minister David Hanson today visited the offices of the local newspaper, the County Down Spectator, to launch a public consultation on the development proposals. He also opened a small exhibition and model showing what is intended for this derelict site.
Visitors to the Spectator office on Main Street will be invited to complete a questionnaire giving their views on the development proposals. The exhibition, which will move to other locations in the town, will be supported by local advertising and an information leaflet.
Urging Bangor residents to comment on the scheme, Mr Hanson said: "The scheme that is now being proposed is radically different and significantly larger than the original proposal but I am convinced that a scheme of this scale is required if Bangor is to realise its full potential.
"A great deal of work has been done since last October when I said that I was unable to support the original scheme due to problems over scale and car parking. These have now been addressed and the revised proposal presents a very exciting opportunity for Bangor. It combines a unique underground car park on the seaward side with a glazed winter garden above offering cafes and public open space which will help to stimulate the regeneration of the town.
"I want to provide a scheme which will be supported by Bangor residents. They now have an opportunity to put forward their views and I look forward to receiving their comments. I hope they will share my view that these proposals represent the best opportunity to remove the dereliction which has blighted this area for too long."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The proposed 650-space car park will be underground the existing Marine Gardens surface car park and more than doubles the existing car park provision of Marine Gardens and the Vennel.
2. For media enquiries, please contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496.

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