Ards and North Down councillors will vote next Wednesday on a car park proposal for Bangor seafront. The site sits in a small parkland area outside the original Queen's Parade redevelopment zone. Bangor Marine plans to build the facility at a cost of £1m.

Bangor Marine requires the car park and a 125-year lease to continue the Queen's Parade project. The company expects annual revenue of £250,000 from the car park. Construction costs would recover within four years. Over the lease term, developers anticipate £30m from financial control. The council will receive a revenue share, with the amount still under negotiation.

Protestors gathered outside Bangor Castle on Monday evening. A Bangor Marine delegation met politicians that evening. The company warned that rejecting the car park threatens the overall project funding.

Bangor Marine proposes 81 parking spaces, down from 101. Forty percent will serve blue badge holders, families, and those with accessibility needs. The car park will feature full-length landscaping and screening.

Without the car park, Bangor Marine states funding challenges could halt the £14m public and private investment in Queen's Parade. The company has informed the public, elected representatives, and Department for Communities since last summer that original plans needed review. Reasons include identifying suitable parking and protecting Levelling Up Fund money for a destination playpark.

Work began on site with agreement from all parties to safeguard the funding. Bangor Marine seeks planning approval from the council and Department for Communities. A delay risks renewed delays in Bangor regeneration.