Construction Started on Newtownards to Bangor (Green Road) Greenway

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to confirm that work 'on the ground' on the new Newtownards to Bangor (Green Road) Greenway has started. 

The 5.4km route will help to better connect the town of Newtownards with the city of Bangor by providing a new safe route for those who want to walk, wheel or cycle. It is anticipated that it will be popular with leisure users e.g. those wanting to undertake exercise or to access Whitespots Country Park/ Ark Farm, as well as those who are commuting to work or place of study e.g. South East Regional College (Ards).

The route is being progressed in two stages, both of which will be delivered by contractor Charles Brand Limited.  These are:

• Newtownards to the Somme Museum. The route will begin at Belvedere Road, Newtownards and follow the former railway track, in the most part, to the Somme Museum. 
• Somme Museum to Green Road Bangor. This route will pass the Ark Open Farm and then turn off-road in a north-easterly direction following the former railway line and field boundaries, in the most part, to Green Road, Bangor.

Commenting on the news, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: "Having secured planning permission for these sections of Greenway last year, it is fantastic that we have now met all the funding requirements, have a contractor appointed and are 'on the ground' in terms of construction.  We know that greenways contribute positively to local communities by bringing many health and economic benefits and we look forward to delivering these for the residents of Bangor and Newtownards very soon."

The new Greenway includes three and four-metre-wide paths, pedestrian/cycle railing, fencing, lighting and planting. Construction is expected to take around 12 months. 

The scheme represents an investment of £5.6M in green infrastructure in Ards and North Down and is being funded by the Department for Infrastructure, the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund and the Council. 

The DfI Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress made to be able to start work on the scheme. He said: "I am delighted that my Department could contribute £2.8m to deliver this greenway project between Bangor and Newtownards . By investing in greenways and active travel infrastructure we are giving more realistic options for people to think about how they travel, particularly for shorter everyday journeys. 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."

Paddy Harney, Director Charles Brand added: "Charles Brand are delighted to be starting this important green infrastructure link between Bangor and Newtownards. Our thanks to Ards and North Down Borough Council for giving us the opportunity to be involved in this is exciting 5.4km long scheme that includes 2 bridges and a 46m long pedestrian/cycleway underpass."

For more information on greenways in Ards and North Down, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/greenways.