Council Headquarters

The Council is conducting a strategic review of its administrative buildings to enhance efficiency and optimise the use of its estate. Currently, around 400 Council employees are spread across more than 10 buildings, many of which are inefficient to operate and maintain. It is estimated that the Council's future office space needs will be 50% less than the current footprint, presenting significant opportunities for change, efficiency, and economic, social, and environmental benefits.

The conclusion of the Business Case by the Council was that a single building, centrally located in Bangor or Newtownards, would best serve the Borough in the future. In rationalising its buildings, the Council is committed to prioritising local regeneration by repurposing any surplus buildings. For example, the SEHSCT has shown interest in the Council's Church Street site in Newtownards to expand its services at Ards Hospital, potentially transferring up to 150 administrative health staff into Newtownards town centre, boosting the local economy.

The Council aims to situate any new building in the heart of either Bangor or Newtownards. A modern office building would enhance collaboration between council services, increase footfall to support local businesses, offer potential for shared service delivery with other public sector agencies, and act as a catalyst for new businesses.

In October 2023, the Council began engaging with property owners in Newtownards and Bangor to identify potential sites for a new civic/office hub. Out of 37 potential sites, seven were shortlisted for detailed assessment. Two sites in Bangor, the Flagship and Queen's Parade, were identified as the most suitable for redevelopment to provide high-quality, modern civic and office facilities.

In March 2024, the Council agreed to further consider these two sites while continuing to develop business cases for existing buildings, prioritising local regeneration benefits. This decision also supported progress on the Newtownards Citizens Hub, including a proposed new cultural hub with Libraries NI. Following a tender process in June 2025, Ards and North Down Borough Council appointed Samuel Stevenson & Sons as the Design Team for the development of this £10M Library and Citizen Hub in Newtownards - an exciting project that will modernise public service delivery in the town.

Click to download a summary of the current position (PDF, 85 KB) (opens new window)

Click to download a summary of the benefits of rationalisation (PDF, 149 KB) (opens new window)