Donaghadee Pump Track

Summary

The Donaghadee Pump Track is a capital project under the Ards and North Down Co-Designed Local Area Action Plan, supported by PEACEPLUS. The project has successfully been awarded £219,351 capital funding. The Pump Track is one of three capital projects to be delivered under the Ards and North Down Local Area Action Plan.

Background to the Pump Track at The Commons

In 2021, the Council appointed AECOM as a landscape design led multi-disciplinary team to reimagine the Donaghadee Commons Park as a great destination that can strengthen the market positioning and appeal of Donaghadee. The Commons is a linear stretch of open parkland that is underutilised, therefore the Council agreed to develop a Masterplan for this area.

In developing the Masterplan, extensive public engagement was undertaken, to include:

2no stakeholder workshops November 2021
Presentation to the Donaghadee Town Advisory Group November 2021
2no online public engagement sessions January and February 2022
Public consultation meeting October 2022
Paper and digital survey

66.59% of those consulted via the online survey said they were in support of the proposed Masterplan.

The Masterplan and can be viewed online at The Donaghadee Commons Masterplan - Ards and North Down Borough Council

The Masterplan outlines three zones of activity -

Zone 1 - North - mixed use development as an urban extension of the town centre.
Zone 2 - Central - the core Commons Parkland - a place to walk, run, relax and enjoy the sea views.
Zone 3 - South - Activity Area - amenities for activity by all ages.

The Activity Area features a mix of recreational activities including a pump track.

The pump track aims to create a vibrant and welcoming space where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can gather, interact, and enjoy shared experiences.

Understanding the Local Area Action Plan and the Co-Design Process

The Ards and North Down Co-Designed Local Area Action Plan is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), part of a broader initiative to support peace and reconciliation throughout Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.

Developed through an extensive co-design process with local residents and stakeholders, the Co-Designed Local Area Action Plan will help build positive relations, celebrate cultural diversity, and reimagine communities.

It will do so by delivering over 23 impactful projects across three core themes:

Local Community Regeneration and Transformation
Thriving and Peaceful Communities
Celebrating Cultures and Diversity

Each project within the Plan is designed to be inclusive, ensuring the meaningful participation of diverse equality groups. To promote broad and equitable engagement, activities will be delivered across the Borough. A cross-community dimension will be central to all projects, fostering collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect.

PEACEPLUS Co-Design Process

The following outlines the co design process followed since the beginning of the process in July 2022:

Stage 1

14no DEA area-based co-design meetings held across the 7 DEAs
9no Section 75 and PEACEPLUS Target Group co-design meetings
Various one to one co-design meetings/ workshops with key stakeholders (358 participants)
1no online e-survey (439 responses)

Collectively, this resulted in the engagement of 797 people involved in co-design activities for the development of the Local PEACEPLUS Action Plan.

In total, 545 concepts were identified through this detailed and comprehensive stage 1 process.

Stage 2

This involved a detailed review process by the PEACEPLUS Partnership that considered and reviewed all 545 concept ideas gleaned through the Stage 1 co-design meetings.

In total 4no co-designed Stage 2 workshops were undertaken across the Borough with 31 participants taking part.

During stage 1 and stage 2, 828 participants were engaged. This was then supplemented by a range of PEACEPLUS Partnership co-design workshops to take forward the considerations from these Stage 1 and Stage 2 co-design workshops. These included two detailed sifting processes.

Under Theme 1 the capital project concepts that passed the initial sifting process were then invited to submit an Expression of Interest. Regeneration officers submitted the EOI for Donaghadee Pump Track in 2023.

The Donaghadee Pump Track was one of the 11 EOI's to pass the next stage in the assessment process using the SEUPB PEACEPLUS selection criteria.

SEUPB then advised all PEACEPLUS Partnerships that an Enhanced Application Form would be required for each project and this was submitted for Donaghadee in early 2024. From this process, 6 projects passed the next assessment stage, undertaken by a scoring panel. Following a special Community and Wellbeing Committee meeting on the 11^th December 2024, it was agreed to recommend three capital projects including Donaghadee Pump Track, Bangor Cycle Park and Portaferry Parklands. The Council meeting was held on the 16^th December 2024 ratified this decision.

Following the successful award of £219,351 to deliver the Donaghadee Pump Track, Council officers held a further 2no engagement events to inform members of the public of the decision to proceed with the project and to provide an opportunity to view the plans and ask any questions.

Public Engagement (1) | June 2025

This was held in Donaghadee Community Centre and was advertised via local press, Council website and social media.

A summary of the comments can be viewed in Appendix 1.17 feedback forms were received in writing.

7 (41%) comments were supportive of the project and the location, 3 (18%) comments objected to the project and 7 (41%) comments received were opposed to the location with suggestions for alternative locations provided.

Public Engagement (2) | April 2026

This was held onsite at the Commons and was advertised via local press and social media. Approximately 15-20 people were in attendance (it should be noted that some of those in attendance were passers-by who engaged with the project team).

A mixed response was received, with support for the project outlined, but also concerns from local residents.

It should be noted that the public engagement sessions were to inform the public of the project plans, rather than to consult as the project was previously agreed through extensive consultation and assessment.

Donaghadee Pump Track

The Donaghadee Pump Track facility will provide a catalyst for an improved healthy lifestyle for the community; by working in partnership, it will empower the local community to regenerate this underutilised area.

The project will engender a sense of community and pride and as a free to consume activity it is anticipated that it will appeal to people of all backgrounds and ages.

The project will include pump track, beginner pump track and a picnic area social space.

Donaghadee Pump Track - Site Plan Layout

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The project will be adjacent to the existing play park surrounded by green space; this location will create a welcoming environment with activity for everyone to enjoy. Fostering fun, community and outdoor engagement.

The pump track has been reduced in size to minimise the impact on the natural environment; ensuring it remains contained within a designated site that preserves the surrounding greenery and promotes sustainable enjoyment for all.

The pump track area is 0.14 hectares with the overall site being 6.9 hectares, occupying just 2% of the overall site, ensuring to continue to protect natural environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Appendix

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Was the public consulted before the project was agreed?

Extensive public consultation was carried out in developing the Ards and North Down Co-Designed Local Area Action Plan from October 2022 to February 2023. The Donaghadee Pump Track was agreed in December 2024.

2. Will there be any further public consultation?

There will be no further public consultation as the project has already been consulted and agreed. Engagement events were held in June 2025 and April 2026 to provide members of the public the opportunity to view the plans.

3. When will construction works commence onsite?

It is anticipated that construction will commence on site late Summer 2026. Signage will be installed in advance to inform users of the area. Neighbour and business notifications will also be issued in advance.

4. Have alternative locations for the Pump Track been considered?

The location of the Commons was agreed through the Masterplan process and aligns with the need identified in the Play Strategy to deliver an older children provision in this area. The location is complimented by the existing play park, outdoor gym equipment, and natural walking routes, with parking available for visitors arriving by car.

5. Can the funding be redirected to a different project?

The funding cannot be redirected to new projects, only the projects approved in the Action Plan are eligible for implementation.

6. What consideration has been given to the local wildlife?

A Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) was completed in 2024 to determine whether the proposal would have a significant effect on the site. It concluded that the proposed development will not have a significant effect on the conservation objectives or integrity of any Natura 2000 site.

7. Is Planning Consent required?

An application for Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development has been submitted to Ards and North Down Borough Council Planning Department; this will determine if planning consent is required.

8. How will the Pump Track be managed once complete?

The Pump Track will be free to use and accessible to everyone at all times.

9. What will the Pump Track achieve?

Pump Tracks encourage active outdoor recreation for people of all ages, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Promoting community engagement, attracting visitors and fostering a sense of community pride. It provides a safe space for youth and families to engage in physical activity and can assist in reducing anti-social behaviour.

Appendix 1 - Comments received at the Public Engagement/ Information Session | June 2025

Supportive of the Project and Location - (7) 41%	Objected to the Project - 3 (18%)	Objected to the Location - (7) 41%
Plan looks good and links well with the other play areas	Under Play Strategy a MUGA would be best for youth of Donaghadee. Pump parks are not popular in Bangor and Ards.	This is the wrong place for the Pump Park. The paths on The Commons are already in disrepair. The Commons is used daily by walkers, dog walkers, the elderly and disabled. How are these children / teenagers getting to the facility? Cycling along the road, cycling through the commons or being brought by car! Parking is already and issue at both ends of The Commons. Why was The Commons chosen? what about Hunts Park? Cromelin Park? It this is already a done deal - why waste our time and yours with these sessions?
A great idea to utilize existing infrastructure and provide more facilities for the younger age profiles. I shall look forward to seeing further information as this project develops.	Not in favour of the cycle track. 1) Taking away beautiful green area used by dog walkers and disabled and elderly people. 2) No consideration for wildlife areas.	As a resident of XXXX we were not advised or consulted about this venture. I totally disagree with putting a bicycle track where they intend. I went along to view model and see actual placement, neither was available. You will be taking away green spaces and walking areas for dog walkers. There are many elderly and disabled people who use this space and use seats along side of existing play park. There has been no consideration for wildlife areas. There are many other places in Donaghadee that would be more suitable.
My initial concerns about the pump park were 1) cycling on pathways elderly people walk along, 2) distributing natural habitats & wildlife and due to the general green space of The Commons. I do however think this specific area is not widely used. So therefore have changed my mind and think the positives outweigh the negatives.	No consultation with majority of people living in or around Donaghadee. I along with other people who use The commons most regularly think it is a complete waste of money and like the other amenities that were put in were a waste of money!	Not in favour of cycle track on Commons. 1)Disturb Wildlife, 2) Taking away walking space for elderly dog walkers 3) Dangerous for disabled elderly dog walkers 4) Ruining green areas.
Get rid of the outdoor gym. A complete waste of money and barely used - they are now rusting. Having read about the Pump Park I was very much against it, but now seeing the plans it looks well and would be an addition to The Commons. If you build it they will come.		Its great to see investment in Donaghadee. I'm just not sure this is the right investment for two reasons 1) The green space of The Commons should be protected - Hunts Park would be a better area. 2) There are much more existing groups that would be deserving of the money i.e. a) changing facilities for the football club, b) a hockey pitch for the existing Ladies Hockey Team c) Upgrade / refresh the Rugby Club Facilities.
Great resource for the town! As one of Northern Ireland's ex-professional BMXers I encourage any facility that encouraged anyone to get into the sport! A pump track invites all ages to get involved, from beginner to professional, a fun way to keep fit and healthy. There are not enough facilities for people to get into the sport, build it and they will come!!		I appreciate the funding opportunity to build a facility to help children and teenagers sport and well being, however I would like to make the following comments: 1) I don't think there is a demand for a Pump Track based on the feedback I have received from the local community. 2) A fitness area was recently erected at The Commons - no one used it and a further facility in my view will be another White Elephant. 3) There are alternatives for building at Hunts Park and Cromellin.
Fantastic; Community Asset; Will Support active lifestyle in the area and beyond; will bring people to the area who will spend locally in shops and restaurants; can't wait to have another reason to visit Donaghadee.		Not in the Commons. Should be in areas that have already been built on - Hunts Park & Northfield at the Play area are two examples
Great addition to the local area. A SAFE place for kids to learn and develop their cycling skills.		Not on the Commons - Northfield or Hunts Park

For enquiries please contact:

peace@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

regeneration@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk