Work on the ground for the new Newtownards to Bangor greenway has started.
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 £5.6 million green infrastructure scheme is being funded by the Stormont Department for Infrastructure, the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Ards and North Down Borugh Council.
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The 5.4 kilometre 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, those wishing to undertake exercise or to access Whitespots Country Park and Ark Farm, as well as those who are commuting to work or places of study such as the Ards South East Regional College.
The route is being progressed in two stages. The first is Newtownards to the Somme Museum, beginning at Belvedere Road, Newtownards, and largely following the former railway track to the Somme Museum.
The second stage, the Somme Museum to Green Road Bangor, will pass the Ark Open Farm and then turn off-road in a north-easterly direction following the former railway line and field boundaries to Green Road, Bangor.
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.”
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The Stormont Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd welcomed the progress made to be able to start work on the scheme. He said: “I am delighted that my Department could contribute £2.8 million 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.”
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