The demolition of the “iconic” Royal Hotel and Windsor Bar in Bangor has been approved ahead of a new mixed-use development including apartments, and restaurants being built.
Ards and North Down Borough Council this week approved a planning application by Expedia Capital ltd for the demolition of the landmark Royal Hotel and the Windsor Bar to accommodate a mixed-use development comprising 35 apartments, two restaurant units, and one retail unit.
There will also be new car parking and associated access works on the site at 22- 28 Quay Street, in Bangor City Centre. The front facade of the existing hotel and bar will be replicated in the new buildings.
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Elected representatives at the council’s April meeting of the Planning Committee (April 1) agreed to the £9 million project, after recommendation for approval from the Planning Officer. There were no objections from the statutory authorities, no petitions, no formal objections from the public, and one letter of support.
The vacant Royal Hotel and Windsor Bar is a five storey building with six bays with Art Deco ornamentation between each bay. The hotel was originally established in 1841, however, the present building dates from 1931 and continued to operate as a hotel until its closure in 2014. It was not listed.
Permission was granted in 2011 for an application for demolition and replacement with a 52 room hotel and 33 apartments - this plan came to nothing. Another application, approved in 2018, for partial demolition and renovation, to accommodate apartments, a pub, restaurant and other retail units, also was not realised.
Work was forbidden for a while on the site while a programme of archaeological work was implemented.
While the plan now involves the demolition of the existing Royal Hotel and Windsor Bar, the front and side facades are to be rebuilt to match the existing one and will have a palette of colours and materials that complement the adjacent buildings.
The Planning Case Officer says in the application report: “I am satisfied that the proposed restaurant and retail units will complement the existing retail provision within the town centre and will contribute to the evening economy.”
The report adds: “The current design replicates the original design with some alterations. It is of high quality and is sympathetic to the original design.”
The officer added: “The proposed development is compatible with the surrounding town centre uses. The elevation onto Crosby Street is in keeping with the scale and form of the surrounding buildings.
“The proposed elevation along Crosby Street does extend approximately eight metres closer to the Salvation Army building at 6-10 Crosby Street. I have no concerns with regards to the impact on the Salvation Army building.
“I am satisfied that there will be no unacceptable adverse impact on the existing residential properties on Crosby Street in terms of over-looking.”
Ards and North Down Lord Mayor, who is also a member of the Planning Committee, stated: “(I am) delighted that the council’s Planning Committee has tonight granted planning approval to the redevelopment of the former Royal Hotel.
“It will involve the demolition of the current building and a like-for-like replacement of the famous facade on Quay Street. There is a legal agreement in place to ensure that the like for like replacement is built once the current building is demolished.
“The £9 million project is due to start in 2026 will be a mixed use development comprising 35 apartments, two restaurant units, one retail unit and parking. I welcome this sympathetic regeneration of one of Bangor’s most iconic buildings.”
Stormont Environment Minister, and North Down MLA Andrew Muir said: “The redevelopment of the Royal Hotel is great news for Bangor and an important step in its regeneration. Sadly, it has not been possible to keep the original building, but the planning permission that has been granted will see an identical replacement of its facade.
“The former hotel has been closed now for many years, and these plans will see the site given a new lease of life, whilst respecting our built heritage. The additional housing for Bangor is also welcome and much needed, as are the opportunities for businesses on the ground floor.
“I look forward to seeing the new building in place and this iconic feature of the waterfront once again standing tall.”
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