Levelling Up Fund Application - Greenways

On 28 October, the Council was informed that its bid to the Westminter Levelling Up Fund for the development of two sections of greenway routes in the Borough – Comber to Newtownards and Newtownards to Green Road in Bangor – was successful.  

The Council secured a grant of £3.216m, being 45% of the total cost of the two planned greenway routes and the full amount in its application.  Capital funding for greenways in Northern Ireland is supported by the Department of Infrastructure (DFI) and the Council is seeking a further 50% of the costs from the Department.  With this success in securing the levelling up bid, Council’s direct funding contribution will be reduced to just 5% of the total costs of the greenway investment. 

Welcoming the news Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks said: “This is excellent news for the Borough.  Securing this funding is a very significant milestone on our journey towards enhancing the green infrastructure in Ards and North Down.  The development of these two greenways will make a huge difference to our daily lives by providing the opportunity to enjoy safe and easy access to fresh air and exercise, encouraging more journeys by foot or bicycle and providing a vital leisure for residents and visitors alike. 

“I am delighted with this result, which had the full backing of our local MPs, Dr Stephen Farry and Mr Jim Shannon.  I want to thank everyone involved in preparing and submitting the bid for their hard work and valuable contribution.  Council will continue to collaborate with DFI who will provide the urban connector routes to link the Council’s greenways into the town centres of Bangor and Newtownards in the hope that the full economic, environmental and social wellbeing benefits of the network will be realised soon.”

More information on both routes is available at: GREENWAYS.  

A copy of the Council's bid can be downloaded below.