New 5.4km Whitespots Line Connects Bangor and Newtownards as Major Greenway Milestone Completed
Released: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Ards and North Down Borough Council is celebrating the completion of works on the new Whitespots Line of the Comber Greenway. A transformative 5.4-kilometre active travel route linking Newtownards and Bangor.
The milestone was marked at an event attended by project partners, funders, contractors and community representatives. Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Vicky Moore, said the project represents "a significant step forward for sustainable travel, community wellbeing and connectivity across the Borough, reflecting the vision, teamwork and dedication invested in creating a route that strengthens opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling while showcasing our natural environment; an important investment in our communities, our environment and our collective future."
The new shared-use path strengthens opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling for residents and visitors of all ages, while showcasing the area's natural environment through a safe, accessible and scenic route.
Major funding support for the project was provided by:
- Department for Infrastructure (DfI)
- The UK Government
Attending the official launch Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "One of my first events as Infrastructure Minister was to attend the sod cutting for the Newtownards- Bangor Greenway and I am delighted to return today to see the progress that has been made as the scheme enters the final stages before opening to the public.
"Greenways and active travel in general can help make our lives better. Whether people are walking, wheeling or cycling to work, school, or for leisure, high quality active travel infrastructure can help facilitate a positive change in our lives. This new Greenway will provide improved travel choices, providing people with the opportunity to travel more sustainably as part of their everyday journeys.
"I was pleased that my Department could contribute £2.9m to this project and would like to congratulate everyone involved on the collaborative efforts that have brought the project to this point.
"It was great to see the pupils from West Winds Primary School today out enjoying their bikes along a section of the route. I hope they share their experience here today with family and friends and encourage them to make use of this fantastic outdoor facility which provides an opportunity to combine exercise and fresh air with our everyday activities."
UK Government Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:
"The completion of the Whitespots Line is a significant milestone for this important project, which will make walking, wheeling, and cycling between Newtownards and Bangor easier, safer, and more accessible than ever before.
"We know investment in active travel helps people live happier and healthier lives. This is why we are backing Ards and North Down Borough Council with £3.2m through the Levelling up Fund, £2.3m of which is going to support this vital project."
Work is now underway on a section of the Newtownards to Comber "Scrabo Line", which is the first phase in a project that will connect Bangor to Ards, on to Comber, and join the established Greenway running right through to Belfast.
While the Whitespots Line marks a major milestone, the Council emphasised that the expansion of the Greenway network is progressing at pace. Work is now underway on a section of the Newtownards to Comber "Scrabo Line", which is the first phase in a project that will connect Bangor to Ards, on to Comber, and join the established Greenway running right through to Belfast. Plans are also advancing for a Bangor to Donaghadee connection, further strengthening sustainable travel options and community links.
The Whitespots Line will soon open to the public, and the Council remains committed to building an interconnected, accessible and environmentally responsible Greenway network across Ards and North Down.
For more information seewww.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Greenways
