Ards and North Down Borough Council unionist councillors voted to back revised proposals for the Marine Gardens project in Bangor after officials ruled out several alternative parking locations. The decision keeps an 81-space car park in the plans, which will occupy a strip of green space currently used by the community.

The vote followed a meeting where an Alliance motion from councillor Chris McCracken seeking time to examine other parking options was defeated. The developer, Bangor Marine, argues the car park is essential for families, elderly visitors and those with mobility needs once the enhanced play park opens. The company said it examined alternative suggestions and found none viable.

The Marine Gardens project is the first phase of the wider Queen’s Parade regeneration. The overall Queen’s Parade scheme has a budget of £145 million, while Marine Gardens is expected to cost £14 million, with £9.8 million from the UK Levelling Up Fund. Construction on the wider development began last year.

A petition titled Save Marine Gardens has gathered more than 4,500 signatures. Campaign organiser Loren Wilson said the green space is used by cyclists, joggers, children and dog walkers. Former BBC NI presenter Linda McAuley said that while parking provision, including for disabled people, is necessary, the entire green area does not need to be dug up. Joyce Craig, who has a disabled son, said she would be more likely to use the green space than a car park.

Supporters of the car park include Alison Blayney, chief executive of Kilcooley Women’s Centre, who argued the project is desperately needed and another delay would harm Bangor. Mandy McCreight, who has a disability, said the car park would be essential for accessible visits to the play park.

Council documents show that alternative car parks at Eisenhower Pier, the Marina and Central Avenue were ruled out because they are council assets generating income. Transferring them would mean a loss of revenue that could breach the council’s duty to obtain best value for ratepayers. These car parks are also part of the separate Bangor Waterfront regeneration scheme, funded by £40 million from the Belfast Region City Deal, and changing them could put that funding at risk.

Other suggestions included an underground car park, which was rejected due to flood risk, and two locations at the western end of the site that would split the development layout. Use of the McKee Clock arena was discounted because it is a major events space earmarked as a driver for Bangor’s development.

The revised plans still require planning approval, and the Crown Estate, which leases the land to the council, will need to agree a sub-lease to the developer. Under the proposed financial arrangement, the developer will retain most of the income generated, with the council receiving approximately five percent.