The Next Chapter for the Flagship:

Early Vision for a City Park and Cultural Centre

Updated 5th October 2025

For several years, Bangor’s Flagship Centre has stood empty. It has become a familiar landmark in the city centre and a reminder of changing times. Now an ambitious new concept could see the site reimagined as something entirely different: a vibrant city park and cultural centre designed to bring people, creativity and commerce together in one dynamic space.

It is important to stress that this proposal remains at an early concept stage. No planning application has yet been submitted, but the property owners, the Northhold Group, have shared their vision to outline the direction of travel for the site and to begin discussions with local businesses and the wider community.

A New Direction for a Key City Centre Site:

The proposal sets out an innovative plan to repurpose the former shopping centre into a place that supports a mix of office, retail, leisure and public green space. Fully funded through private sector investment, the scheme promises to complement the wider regeneration of Bangor city centre, alongside the major developments now progressing at Queen’s Parade and Marine Gardens.

The vision is one of renewal, creating a sustainable hub that blends work, culture and relaxation. Where once stood shuttered shops and empty corridors, the plans imagine open courtyards filled with sunlight and native trees.

What Is Being Proposed?

Although the details may change as the project develops, the early outline for the site includes:

• Approximately 75,000 square feet of modern, flexible Grade A office space suitable for both established companies and new start-ups.

• Refreshed retail units on Main Street, along with market-style spaces for emerging businesses and creative traders.

• A landscaped city park with pedestrian walkways, seating areas and native planting.

• Space for restaurants, cafés and eateries designed to encourage activity throughout the day.

• Areas that can host cultural events, brand showcases and community activities.

• A refurbished car park offering around 420 spaces.

​

Designed for Bangor’s Future

The Flagship concept is not only about new buildings but also about helping Bangor reach its potential as a modern coastal city with a thriving business and cultural life. The project promises to support sustainable economic growth, nurture entrepreneurship and make better use of a large site that has been underused for too long.

By reusing existing structures where possible and incorporating green design principles, the proposal seeks to align with Bangor’s broader environmental and regeneration goals.

Consultation and Next Steps

Northhold Group is currently engaging with business owners and community representatives to refine the proposals and gather feedback before any formal planning application is submitted. This process provides an opportunity for the public to help shape how one of Bangor’s most central and important sites can best serve the city in the years ahead.

Although still at a formative stage, the concept represents an exciting step towards a new era for Bangor’s city centre. After many years of waiting, the Flagship may once again become a symbol of progress and pride for the city.

Flagship Centre Bangor

Flagship Bangor Ltd has notified Companies House of the appointment of an administrative receiver.

Opening 2023

The list of tenants is growing fast ...so don't miss out on this superb opportunity.

Bangor's new City status is the icing on the cake of a remarkable year full of investment announcements amounting to well over £100 million. The adjacent Queens Parade site is set to see the construction of a new Hotel,  leisure facilities, a major office block, retail units, restaurants and apartments complimented with a fully funded multi-million-pound waterfront regeneration package. 

So as Bangor City Centre is launched into a new era energised with confidence and enthusiasm we present you with an opportunity to come on board.

Full Brochure Below:-

https://media.propertypal.com/f/p/800107/3028102/Unit-19-The-Flagship-Brochure.pdf

PLANNING APPLICATION UPDATE - October 2022

PLANNING APPLICATION UPDATE - September 2022

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT DIVISION AGREE TO REVISED FLAGSHIP PLAN

Thankfully the HED has given the thumbs up to the revised plan for the Flagships High Street facade.

The first drawings were rejected on the grounds that:-

“the large artworks proposed to ground floor windows in particular may have an adverse impact on the vista towards McKee Clock on High Street, which is a designed view and forms an important part of its wider setting. HED consider these oversized artworks shall likely form a competing focus on this vista, detracting from the McKee Clock if placed on the outside of the existing mirrored window finishes, rather than being behind a window.”

However, the new subtlety revised plan with the art murals placed behind the glass was accepted.

The HED went on to say:-

“Following receipt of revised information, we are content that artwork is to be positioned to the interior face of the windows i.e. behind the windows as this shall be less dominant than if it were to be positioned on the exterior. Additionally, we note a more neutral colour is now proposed for the high-level truss in lieu of the painted red colour and consider this shall be more sympathetic in the setting of the listed buildings (i.e. McKee Clock & Court House) and would exert no greater demonstrable harm than the existing arrangement.”

Hopefully the Council will complete the planning process without further delay.

PLANNING APPLICATION UPDATE - July 2022

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT DIVISION (Historic Buildings) - Initial response to planning application:-

“...we consider the large artworks proposed to ground floor windows in particular may have an adverse impact on the vista towards McKee Clock on High Street, which is a designed view and forms an important part of its wider setting. HED consider these over-sized artworks shall likely form a competing focus on this vista, detracting from the McKee Clock if placed on the outside of the existing mirrored window finishes, rather than being behind a window.”

HED “...has considered the impacts of the proposal on the listed asset (i.e.McKee Clock) and on the basis of the information provided, advise: We consider the proposal, as presented, may have an adverse impact on the listed building.”

BangorByTheSea comment:

We retain and value historic buildings so that our lives may be enriched and to give us an overall sense of well-being and comfort. But it would appear that these “monuments” are being used to contain us, to dampen the joy and excitement of the new.

The Historic Environment Division appear to be a power unto themselves. Their judgements are often questionable, yet powerful, and will generally result in architects and developers spending considerable time and funds to diverge from their concept just to satisfy the back-room planners who probably have little knowledge of the current context and vibe of the area in question.

Often plans will have to be re-worked and re-submitted to the planning office even before our elected representatives have had an opportunity to discuss and reach an opinion on the issue in contention. And let's be clear, these are issues of aesthetics and in this case I would say that their ideological arguments against the Flagship plan do not stack up.

Note the vibrant billboard poster on the gable wall of Wolseys. 

Note the vibrant 3-storey high mural - efectively a back-drop to McKee Clock

Note the large red illuminate sign (flashing stars)

Read the full HED Response Document:- (click below)

Flagship Developer's News Release - 24th June 2022

May 2022 - Planning Application

Flagship Centre Press Release - 4th April 2022

The Flagship Centre 

17th August 2021:

It has been revealed by Brookland Property that they are now in possession of the Flagship Centre with immediate effect.

The centrally located scheme presents a landmark regeneration opportunity for the team at Brookland Property, and the Bangor town community. The locally based developer has transformational intentions for the substantial asset, with plans due to be announced before the end of the year. 

The Owner/Diector of Brookland Property said...

“Our first priority will be to get the carpark back into use as soon as possible and we will be making an innovative proposal to Ards and North Down Borough Council imminently.

With my personal connection to the town, I’m delighted that the professional team also comprises two more Bangorians namely Drew Nesbitt, Partner with Wilson Nesbitt Solicitors and Mark Riddell from property agents Riddell McKibbin.”

Mark Riddell, sales agent for administrator Alex Kachani, explained:

“We are very pleased to complete the sale of flagship centre, Bangor to Brookland during what has been a challenging period for high streets and town centres across the country. Brookland have ambitious and achievable plans for the scheme which will enhance the wider town centre experience and which should reverse the recent increase in vacancy, building delinquency and anti-social issues in the town centre. The acquisition should be the regeneration kickstart that Bangor town centre needs and the fact that Brookland are based locally can only improve the prospects of delivering a successful repositioning of the town centre. We wish them every success in this exciting and necessary project.”

Geoff Thompson, President of Bangor Chamber of Commerce welcomed news of the new ownership: “This is a much-needed boost for Bangor’s town centre and will complement other major projects including the proposed development at Queen’s Parade and the regeneration of Bangor’s waterfront. Increased footfall and further incentives to visit the town are imperative to Bangor’s future success. We look forward to engaging with the new owners of the Flagship and wish them well with their latest venture.”

Contact Brookland Property on:- https://www.brooklandproperty.co.uk/