05/03/2025
Ah, another thrilling episode of “Bangor’s Never Ending Redevelopment Saga”! At this point, they should just set up a permanent sign that says, “Coming Soon… So It Is.” 😉
So, after decades of talks, plans, proposals, and rehashed promises, the latest grand vision for Queens Parade is… a temporary car park? Brilliant. Just what we needed. More space for people to park while they stare at an empty lot that should have been thriving years ago.
The fact that this was rubber stamped in under four minutes while the whole meeting dragged on for four hours really tells you everything you need to know. No meaningful discussion, no challenge, no urgency, just a quick decision that will cost tens of thousands while achieving absolutely nothing in the long run.
And let’s talk about this temporary car park for a second. Why did no one consider the Flagship Centre’s multi-storey car park? It’s an indoor facility with approximately 430 spaces, right in the heart of Bangor. It would have been a far more logical and cost effective choice, but instead, the council has opted to spend public money on resurfacing and installing lighting for a car park that will exist for just a year or longer, given Bangor’s track record of delays.
The Flagship Centre is owned by Brookland Property, led by Ricky McLarnon. It wouldn’t have been difficult for the council to reach out and explore a collaboration. Would that have been too straightforward? Too sensible? Or does wasting public funds just come second nature at this point?
An audit? Accountability? That would require someone in power to actually care about delivering real progress instead of just managing expectations downward until we all stop complaining. And yet, here we are, still waiting. ⚰️
