Minister Kimmins launches construction on £5.6m Newtownards to Bangor Greenway

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has marked the start of construction on the new £5.6m Newtownards to Bangor Greenway.  

This project is funded by the Department for Infrastructure in conjunction with the Department for Transport (DfT) through the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and Ards and North Down Borough Council.  

The 5.4km long greenway utilises much of the old railway track and will run between Floodgates, Newtownards and Green Road, Bangor. It includes up to four-metre-wide paths for walking and cycling with accompanying railings, fencing, lighting and planting.

Attending the commencement of construction Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "I am delighted that my Department could contribute £2.8m to deliver this greenway project between Bangor and Newtownards and it is great to be here today to see work on the ground underway.

"Active travel is a key element in addressing climate change and creating cleaner and greener spaces that are open to everyone. By investing in greenways and other high quality active travel infrastructure we are giving people more options to think about how they travel and helping them embrace healthier lifestyles.

"This greenway will benefit both the local community and visitors to the area and will complement plans for further development opportunities in Ards and North Down, including opportunities that will arise through my Department's Active Travel Delivery Plan, which is currently out for consultation. Once completed this greenway will provide a safe alternative route for those who choose to leave the car at home and use it to travel to work or to study, to shop, to visit family and friends or simply just for leisure.  

"By making small changes such as choosing to walk, wheel or cycle we can all make a big difference in beating congestion, reducing our carbon footprint, and improving our physical and mental wellbeing.

"This project is a fine example of the value of Government bodies working together to deliver for local communities."

The scheme will utilise the former railway track and will be completed in two stages. Stage one has now commenced between Belvedere Road, Newtownards and Whitespots Country Park.

Stage 2 will be between Whitespots and Green Road, Bangor, passing Ark Open Farm, mostly following the former railway line in a north easterly direction towards Green Road, Bangor where it will link with the existing shared path along Green Road.

Minister Kimmins was joined by other funders, Ards and North Down's Mayor Councillor Alastair Cathcart and representatives from UK Government.

Mayor Cathcart said: "It is fantastic to see work progressing 'on the ground' on this new greenway. The 5.4km route will help to better connect the town of Newtownards with the city of Bangor by providing a new safe path for those who want to walk, wheel or cycle. We expect it to be popular with leisure users, including those wanting to undertake exercise or to access Whitespots Country Park/Ark Farm, as well as those who are commuting to work or a place of study such as the South East Regional College campus in Ards. We are immensely grateful to our funders for their financial and technical support and to our contractors Charles Brand for their enthusiastic and innovative approach to delivering this exciting green infrastructure project." 

DfT Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: "I'm pleased to see construction begin on this greenway, which will make walking and cycling between Newtownards and Bangor easier, safer, and more accessible than ever before.

"We know investment in active travel helps people live happier and healthier lives. This is why we are funding Ards and North Down Borough Council £3.2m through the Levelling up Fund - £2.3m of which is going to support this important project."  

The project is expected to take around 12 months to complete.