Issue 216 - North Down BT18 •BT19 • BT20 • BT21
Accolade for former Bangor Hotel Alliance North Down MLA Andrew Muir has congratulated McGarry-Moon Architects on winning the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Award for Social Housing Development for its work on The Savoy in Bangor.
Pupils from St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood, join the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum at the new facilities in Seapark, Holywood.
Seapark Play Area Celebrates Major Refurbishment with Special Visitors
Seapark welcomed special guests from St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood alongside Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum recently, to officially experience the newly refurbished play facilities following a significant £250,000 investment from the levelling up fund. The upgrade forms part of the Borough’s wider Play initiative, aimed at improving outdoor recreational spaces and creating more inclusive, engaging environments for children and families across the area. Pupils from St Patrick’s
Primary School enjoyed the new equipment, spending time exploring the wide range of play opportunities now available within the park. The Mayor joined children, teachers and council staff in celebrating the
completion of the project. The redesigned play area features attractive Rubina-style wooden play equipment, giving the park a natural and welcoming appearance that enhances the overall setting for all visitors. The carefully
chosen timber structures blend into the coastal surroundings while providing a modern and durable play environment.
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The building was a 1930s Art Deco hotel and was given a new lease of life last year when it was transformed into apartments for Clanmil Housing Association. In his role as Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA addressed the award ceremony at the Ulster Hall and presented the award to McGarryMoon Architects. “As a local MLA, I was thrilled to see The Savoy development recognised for its architectural achievement at the RSUA Awards and to be given a chance to show my appreciation,” said Andrew
Muir MLA. “In Bangor, we have such a rich built heritage and I was delighted to see The Savoy given a new lease of life last year, particularly when it is providing muchneeded social homes for my constituents. At the time, I was really impressed by the design by McGarry-Moon, which is both modern and striking while in keeping with the Art Deco features of the original building. “Projects like this are vital for regenerating our urban spaces and community development, and I commend Clanmil and McGarry-Moon Architects for doing such an outstanding job.”
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North Down Advertiser
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Issue 216 - Support Local
Issue 216 - Support Local
North Down Advertiser Page 3
Blair Mayne Bursary Awards
Four outstanding young people from across the Borough have been recognised for their talent, determination and community spirit at the 2026 Blair Mayne Bursary Presentation Evening, held at Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards. The annual bursary awards, valued at £1,000 each, support individuals in the fields of Sport, Academic Study, Adventure Training and Disability, helping them to further develop their ambitions and achievements. Guests were welcomed by Lt Col Simon Nichols MBE, Chairman of the Blair Mayne Bursary Committee, before hearing inspiring reflections from previous recipients Charlotte Eadie and Lauren Caughey on the impact of the bursary. This year’s awards were presented by former Irish rugby international and British and Irish Lion Nigel Carr, with recipients recognised for their exceptional dedication and resilience: • Sport: Chloe Carnduff (Newtownards), who will represent Team NI at the Dance World Cup • Academic Study: Tomas Montgomery (Bangor), recognised for outstanding academic progress and sporting success
Recipients of this year’s Blair Mayne Bursary Awards, L-R Matthew Catney, Chloe Carnduff, Tomas Montgomery and Sam Anderson.
• Adventure Training: Matthew Catney (Newtownards), pursuing a private pilot licence • Disability: Sam Anderson (Ballygowan), a footballer and coach dedicated to supporting others with disabilities Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Vicky Moore said, “The Blair Mayne
Bursary continues to highlight the incredible talent, determination and resilience of young people across our Borough. Each of this year’s recipients has shown exceptional commitment in their chosen field, overcoming challenges and inspiring others along the way. It is a privilege to support them as they take
the next steps in their journeys, and I have no doubt they will continue to achieve great things.” The Blair Mayne Bursary remains a lasting tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne, honouring his legacy by supporting future generations to pursue excellence and contribute positively to their communities.