BYC Redevelopment Updates

• Concept design slideshow

• MLA Briefing

• PACC drop-in session

• Redevelopment background

• Key features of the proposed redesign

• Next steps

Background on the development

The redevelopment of Ballyholme Yacht Club into a leading facility for watersports is one of five key projects making up the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD)-backed Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment.

The development of this facility will also be a huge boost for economic growth in the Borough and wider region, attracting visitors from across the island as well as from further afield.

At a local level, the addition of a new cafe, improved facilities, taster sessions and training courses are all designed to attract residents and their families to the Club to experience new opportunities. The new building is also designed to visually enhance and improve the surrounding area.

Benefits for All – Club Members, the Wider Community and Visitors

The redevelopment is intended to deliver a wide range of benefits, including:

• Community Benefit: open days and courses for the wider community with affordable access for schools and youth groups
• Designed for inclusivity: improved accessibility for people with disabilities, families, and all age groups
• Health and wellbeing: increased opportunities for people of all ages to get active and enjoy the water safely
• A place to gather: new social spaces, public café, and community events
• A boost to the local economy: attracting additional jobs, as well as national and international events
• A catalyst for regeneration: supporting local businesses and inspiring further investment
• A place for everyone: a facility designed for those who enjoy watersports, and for the wider public with the new public café

Key features of the proposed redesign

The key elements of the proposed redevelopment include:

• Relocation of the clubhouse to the north-west corner of the site, allowing continued use of the existing clubhouse during construction and creating additional boat park space
• Infilling of the north slipway to improve protection against northerly storms and increase boat park capacity
• Installation of rock armour and a crest wave wall along the northern shoreline to enhance storm protection
• Widening of the main slipway to 24 metres, improving access for club racing and training and enabling the club to host larger events
• Construction of a new 8-metre slipway to provide separate access for motorised rescue boats
• Widening of the finger jetty to 3 metres to facilitate wheelchair access and use of a disabled lift hoist.
• Relocation of the boathouse to improve proximity to the slipways
• Larger changing facilities to better accommodate members and visitors during club activities, training, and open events
• Dedicated wet and dry training rooms to support an expanded programme of training courses for members and for the public
• A larger, flexible event space for Club use and major events, with the ability to be repurposed for functions such as jury rooms or race offices.
• Inclusion of a public café

Next steps

The planning application is scheduled for submission in Spring 2026. Subject to approval, a contractor is expected to be appointed in 2027, with construction forecast to be completed by the end of 2028.