Ards and North Down Borough Council has revealed plans for a £20 million redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park, near Newtownards.
The council’s plans involve more open lanscaping, new trails, and a drive to integrate the park experience with the neighbouring Somme Museum.
The council said: “The plans will help to protect the biodiversity of the site and will ensure its unique history, especially in relation to the World War 1 and mining heritage, is never lost.
“The country park is a popular location for local walkers. The rich heritage of the site will be brought to life through innovative infrastructure and interpretation, creating a seamless link to the greenways network, and acting as a gateway to the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough.”
The council is planning the project with a phased development approach that will range from £6million to £20million in investment. The council has also approached external organisations to help bolster the project budget.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, said: “Whitespots is a viable and exciting project that everyone in Ards and North Down can enjoy. It is already a very popular location and is enjoyed by thousands of people every year. Accessing other revenue streams will help realise these potential developments and would encourage more people to visit and enjoy the beauty of our Borough.”
The Somme Museum is planned to act as the gateway to the new Whitespots Country Park.
The council representative said: “We are working closely with the museum on exciting plans to deliver a range of benefits for the estimated 150,000 to 250,000 walking visitors who are expected to visit the new Park each year.
“The proposal also has the potential to create up to 25 new jobs, as well as providing opportunities for volunteering and training through education in the environment, sustainability and leisure sections.”
