Marina Projects Now Seeking Operator For Bangor Marina And Harbour
30 November 2023
In March 2023 Marina Projects Ltd was appointed by Ards and North Down Borough Council to procure an experienced marina operator to take on and support the future of the popular 540-berth marina and harbour situated in the City of Bangor, Co Down, Northern Ireland.
Securing a new operating model for Bangor Marina marks the beginning of exciting new plans to regenerate Bangor Waterfront as part of a suite of improvements supported by the Belfast Region City Deal. These plans aim to redevelop the marina and associated facilities as a mixed-use development in a new cluster with iconic and high-quality architecture, connecting the city centre to the waterfront that will drive tourism and support the local economy. Bangor Marina is one of the largest 5 gold anchor accredited marina developments on the island of Ireland.
Providing specialist technical advice
Since March 2023 Marina Projects has been providing specialist technical advice and working with Council officers to develop a new legal agreement that will be fundamental to the future success of the marina operation and leverage investment in the marina to support the wider aspirations of the Council and the Belfast Region City Deal.
Marina Projects has undertaken extensive business modelling which has been used to aid the development of a procurement strategy and long-term operating arrangement that will appeal to an experienced and professional marina operator.
The formal procurement process to appoint a new operator for Bangor Marina for the next 50 years has now begun. Interested operators are encouraged to view the tender documentation hosted on the eTendersNI portal (Ref no: AND-235) and submit the prequalification questionnaire before the 11th December 2023 deadline.
It is estimated that over the 50 years term of the agreement this opportunity has the ability to make a very significant contribution to the local economy through revenue generated, investment from private sector and contributions to the regeneration developments.
We are really enjoying working with Ards and North Down Borough Council and are pleased to have been able to structure a long-term solution that will deliver an exciting future for Bangor Marina and Harbour as part of the wider Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment.
Moving to the formal tender that will lead to the appointment of a long-term marina operating partner is an exciting development. This is a unique opportunity for any prospective operator to be involved with a development that will create significant benefits for residents and visitors to Bangor, along with marina and harbour users.
The immediate connections to the city and excellent access to local sailing waters are key strengths that already see a considerable number of visiting vessels to Bangor. The plans for the public realm improvements will make this a real destination for all to enjoy and has the potential to enhance the marina and harbour business
Mike Ward, Managing Director, Marina Projects
Working with Marina Projects Ltd has enabled us to efficiently progress one of the initial steps in the future redevelopment of the Bangor Waterfront as part of the Belfast City Region Deal. As the programme of works rolls out over the next 10 years, the marina and harbour will be a key element of this transformational investment plan for Bangor.
Susie McCullough, Director of Place, Ards and North Down Borough Council
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