Parklets

Funded by  the Department for Infrastructure (DfI)

Parklets (Outdoor Resting Areas) were constructed in Bangor, Comber and Newtownards, transforming parking spaces into community spaces where residents and visitors can stop, rest, and enjoy the outdoors.  

The locations are:

• Comber - The Square (to the front of St Mary's Church) 
• Bangor - High Street (to front of Maud's ice cream)
• Bangor -  Main Street (to front of Nationwide)
• Bangor - High Street (to front of Miller's Chip Shop)
• Newtownards - High Street (to front of Maud's ice cream)
• Newtownards - Regent Street (to front of Regency Cafe)
• Newtownards - Frances Street (close to Ulster Bank)

Frequently asked questions

What are Parklets

Parklets are public seating platforms that convert kerbside parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. Also known as street seats or kerbside seating, most parklets have a distinctive design that incorporates seating, greenery, and/or bike racks and accommodate unmet demand for public space on thriving retail streets. They challenge the idea that kerbside space is only for car parking.

What are the benefits of a Parklet?

Parklets often add much needed green space to populated "concrete" urban areas such as city centres. They make a great public space which can be enjoyed by all - sit read a book, sip a coffee, people watch, enjoy lunch, or just take time out of the fast lane. The Parklets are designed to provide outdoor seating space for people to meet, relax with a coffee and enjoy the feeling of being outdoors. Great for families with prams, dog walkers and cyclists who may not so easily be able to pop into a café or shop for refreshments.

Are Parklets Safe?

Yes, the Parklets will be positioned in existing car parking spaces next to the kerb and will be constructed with materials designed to protect the user.

Will the Parklets be accessible for all?

Our Parklets are fully DDA compliant and have level access points for disabled users. The Parklets have adequate visual contrast for people with limited sight.

What are the Parklets made from?

Our Parklets are made from a galvanised steel frame that has a long lifespan and can be reused or recycled if required. The Parklets are clad in composite plastic decking panels that have a long-life span and can be recycled at the end of use. Timber stools and table throughout are purchased from a sustainable source.

How many people can use a Parklet at once?

Parklet sizes will vary - some will have thirteen seats for users in booth seating and on stools around 3 tables and 4 high level bar seats while larger ones will accommodate fifteen seats for users in booth seating and on stools around 5 tables.

What is being planted in these Parklets?

Our Parklets will be planted using local species shrubs and flowers to improve the biodiversity of our towns.

How does the rain effect the Parklets, will they get flooded easily?

Parklets are designed so rainwater falls through decking into existing drains, there is no additional load on the existing drainage network.

Where does a user put their coffee cup and rubbish?

No waste bins have been incorporated to encourage users to take away and dispose of their own litter responsibly. Parklets will be near street bins.

Are Parklets a permanent feature or can they be moved?

The proposed parklets in Ards and North Down have been designed in modules for installation and to allow easy removal. Parklets can be lifted by a small crane and relocated in other locations throughout the Borough.