Government Representatives visit the Borough to see delivery of funded projects

10th July 2025

Photo caption: Chris Moore (UKSPF Delivery Manager for NI); Councillor Vicky Moore (Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down) and Benjamin Ekpenyong (Senior Policy Delivery Officer UKSPF Northern Ireland) at the new Dementia Friendly Sensory Garden in Ward Park, Bangor

Representatives from the Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) met the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Vicky Moore, yesterday to visit three of the projects funded by the UKSPF scheme. 

At the end of last year, Ards and North Down Borough Council secured funding from the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver Council’s ‘Creating positive outcomes for our communities and place’ project. Eight schemes across the Borough will benefit from this funding.

The group started their visit in Ward Park, Bangor, where Council received £76k part-funding from UKSPF to help deliver a new, modern play park. The remaining cost came from Council’s existing Play Park Refurbishment Budget, representing a total investment of £250k. The new play park provides a range of modern play equipment with an improved offering for both younger and older children, including a variety of inclusive equipment. Since opening at the end of March, it has proved hugely popular with residents and visitors alike.
 
A new Dementia Friendly Sensory Garden was also delivered, the first of its type in the Borough. The £155k work was fully grant-funded from the UKSPF. The garden, created through consultation with the core user groups and their carers, is on the site of the former play park and is a space for tranquil retreat where sights, sounds and smells combine to create a space for quiet reflection and time for reminiscence. In addition to a carefully curated planting scheme, the garden also includes a stunning yet gentle water feature and three striking metal arches across the pathway, making it visually unique and captivating. 

Also benefitting from the UKSPF funding is Burr Point in Ballyhalbert which received £135k funding to deliver beautiful pier mosaic artwork, new changing facilities, new street furniture, signage, and improved access to the water. The group also visited this fully funded project which has enhanced the harbour area of Ballyhalbert for both locals and visitors.

Photo caption: Benjamin Ekpenyong (Senior Policy Delivery Officer UKSPF Northern Ireland); Chris Moore (UKSPF Delivery Manager for NI); Councillor Vicky Moore (Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down) at Burr Point, Ballyhalbert

Burr Point Sculpture Artist: Ned Jackson Smyth

Perhaps the most striking visual enhancement of this project is the collection of nine mosaics on the pier wall that depict various stories and elements of local history. It was created by local primary school children and volunteers from the community under guidance by artist Marty McClure. It is hoped the results of this funded project, located on the most easterly part of Ireland, will increase appeal and length of stay for those making use of the facilities.

The Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Vicky Moore, said:
“It has been a pleasure to welcome the representatives from UKSPF and demonstrate first-hand how the funding has been used, bringing these three schemes to life and putting the spend in context. I am delighted that this funding has helped deliver fantastic improvements and welcome additions to our Borough, as part of Council’s ‘Creating positive outcomes for our communities and place’ project. These are very positive outcomes that will benefit everyone who lives, visits and works in our Borough.”