College Park to be transformed into a vibrant and exciting place of education and enjoyment.

Following consultation with stakeholders and members of the public, various issues were identified including accessibility, the lack of footpath links between upper and lower Bangor, dense vegetation, anti-social behaviour and safety. 

With funding secured for this project by Gwynedd Council in partnership with the University through the Welsh Government’s scheme ‘Transforming Towns’ the work will commence this month with an ambitious goal of completing the project next year. 

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters said, “We want to breathe new life into our town centres, and I am pleased that we’ve been able to contribute to this important project via our Transforming Towns programme. College Park should be a real asset for the city, standing just across from the main shopping area. And we hope with this investment we can make a far more attractive space for people in the city centre to use. We know it is great for well-being to spend time in green space, so we want to encourage people to take some time for themselves to exercise and enjoy nature, whilst also providing an accessible public space for outdoor events”

Councillor Gareth Thomas, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community in Gwynedd Council added: “Cyngor Gwynedd supports the College Park project and the positive impact it will have on the city centre. It will create a pleasant area for the community and everyone visiting Bangor to enjoy. This investment positively contributes towards the regeneration of Bangor City Centre.”

The vision for the park is to open up the area and create a welcoming green space in the City of Bangor, safe and accessible to all. The development will include new focus spaces as well as enhanced nature zones, including woodland trails and wildlife observation points. Creating a space that encourages use by the public for small scale events, exercise, meeting friends or walking from one part of the city to another.

The first phase of the work will begin with thinning out some of the wooded areas in the park, in particular trees that have health issues or have been identified as requiring remedial work. This work will also increase visibility, create better views through the park, and encourage the growth of the plants on the ground, in particular the bluebells. All felled wood will be recycled and reused in the park in various formats. 

In the coming weeks, work will be carried out to remove the ‘Caban’ and place it in storage with a view to finding a new home for it. In its place will be a small performance area and mini amphitheatre which will provide an opportunity for showcasing artistic and performance talent.

Lars Wiegand, Director of Estates and Campus Services said, “We are so fortunate to have such a large green space so close to the city centre, which creates a green ‘land-bridge’ between the University and city. The land was given to the University by the city when the main University building was built. And we want to make it a pleasant and popular space for all”

For further information and details on the next phases of the project, please visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/park