Council’s Office Rationalisation to Bring Efficiency and Revitalisation to Bangor City Centre
Ards and North Down Borough Council is undertaking a major office rationalisation initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting the regeneration of Bangor city centre. The plan involves relocating approximately 420 council employees from multiple administrative buildings, many of which are inefficient and costly to maintain, into a single, modern office space in Bangor. This move is expected to optimise resources by reducing office space by 50% through hybrid working arrangements while fostering greater collaboration within council services. Additionally, the relocation is seen as a catalyst for increased footfall in the city centre, benefitting local businesses and creating opportunities for shared public sector services.
A key aspect of the rationalisation strategy is determining the future use of Bangor Castle, which will no longer be required as a council office. In August 2024, the Council commissioned global consultancy firm Barker Langham to assess potential uses for the historic site and develop Outline Business Cases (OBCs) for both Bangor Castle and North Down Museum. The consultancy firm carried out a detailed situation analysis and identified a range of possibilities, which were evaluated against the Council’s strategic objectives, resulting in a shortlist of five options:
Each of these options is now undergoing a multi-disciplinary appraisal process, considering factors such as financial viability, public benefit, heritage preservation, and potential extensions to the castle’s footprint. Some options include the retention of the North Down Museum at its current location, while others propose alternative sites for the museum, with a separate OBC being developed to explore relocation possibilities.
Speaking about the initiative, Susie McCullough, Chief Executive of Ards and North Down Borough Council, stated: “This rationalisation project is a significant step forward for the Council. By moving to a modern, efficient office space, we are not only improving our operational effectiveness but also supporting local businesses and fostering new opportunities for growth in the area. The future of Bangor Castle and North Down Museum is a key part of this vision, and we are committed to finding the best possible outcomes for this historic site, which will, in turn, benefit our ratepayers.”
A final preferred option for Bangor Castle is expected to be presented to the Council in early 2025. Following this, the proposals will undergo a period of stakeholder engagement before the completion of detailed financial and operational models, with the final Outline Business Case anticipated by mid-2025.
With the initial longlist narrowed down to five shortlisted options, consultants from Barker Langham, in collaboration with Council officers, are now advancing to the next phase of the appraisal process. This stage involves a comprehensive Phase 2 Options Appraisal, which will assess each proposal’s opportunities, challenges, viability, and cost.
As part of this evaluation, the consultants will incorporate case studies to illustrate the feasibility of each option, while also outlining potential operating models, governance structures, and insights from comparable projects. A key focus of the assessment will be ensuring that any future use of Bangor Castle enhances the public experience while respecting the site's heritage and placemaking values.
The preferred option is expected to be presented to the Council in February 2025. Following this, stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback before the development of detailed financial delivery and operational models as part of the final Outline Business Case.
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