Work Begins On New £5.6m Newtownards To Bangor Greenway

Construction has started on the new £5.6 million Newtownards to Bangor Greenway. The 5.4km route, funded by the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for Transport (DfT) through the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), and Ards and North Down Borough Council, will utilise much of the old railway track between Floodgates, Newtownards, and Green Road, Bangor.

The greenway will feature paths up to four metres wide for walking and cycling, along with railings, fencing, lighting, and planting.

"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," said Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins. The project will be completed in two stages. Stage one, now underway, will run between Belvedere Road, Newtownards, and Whitespots Country Park. Stage two will connect Whitespots to Green Road, Bangor, passing Ark Open Farm and linking with the existing shared path.

"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," said Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Alastair Cathcart. "We expect it to be popular with leisure users...as well as those who are commuting to work or a place of study."

DfT Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood added: "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 be completed in approximately 12 months.