Bangor aims for recovery with new hubs, shop conversions, and city improvements boosting local spirits.
I met Bangor’s city director, Martin Hanks, by the cathedral. It was built in the 1400s and updated in the 1800s. He talked about Bangor’s 1,500th anniversary. He said Bangor has a cathedral, a university, and a pier, and is near Eryri’s train station.
We walked along the UK’s longest high street. Martin said things were bad a while back, but now, they are making small improvements. They hope these changes help the city.
Empty shops now have nice photos that show the local area. Signs tell people how long it takes to walk places. One shop is now Ty Cyfle, where Bangor University will give legal advice and Coleg Llandrillo will teach adult classes.
A Greggs moved, and Lucky’s diner took its place. The old Debenhams will become a medical hub within 18 months. Patients will benefit from this medical hub.
The Hafan building is opening as a hub. It is painted blue and near the bus stops. LGBTQ+ groups can meet there, and mother and baby groups are welcome too. People can chat and drink tea, reducing loneliness.
I thanked Martin and visited Open Heavens cafe, run by Frankie Thompson. He said the town was quiet when he opened, but now, things are improving. His café offers healing sessions monthly, every last Friday. He said people get healed there, and they also sell good food, like falafel wraps and frappes.
I saw a colourful alley to Blue Sky cafe. Holly Yates manages Blue Sky, and she discussed running a business in Bangor.
She stated that city leaders have a tough job, as reinventing city centers is tricky. The High Street only allows traffic at certain times, open from 4:30 PM to 10:00 AM. Delivery trucks often miss the road opening. She suggested a trial with the road fully open for six months.
Her business faces challenges. A butcher closed, so she buys meat elsewhere, and she did not get a grant because her cafe isn’t on the High Street. She wonders where her business rates go and suspects they vanish into Cyngor Gwynedd.
Blue Sky hosts music and comedy nights. These events attract students and locals. They use local food, like Poblado Coffi, and Social Hour Coffee Roasters is also a supplier.
The old bathstore looks bad. It’s near B&M in St David’s Retail Park. Work goes on at Parc y Coleg, which links the university and city centre. There will be a new park entrance on Deiniol Road, and a path will connect the city to Pontio. Lights will make the park safer at night.
The Welsh Government funds this project, and Cyngor Gwynedd works with them. Medwyn Hughes said the project is great, improving a city centre green space and is part of a bigger plan. They hope for more city investments.