Bangor Civic Society campaigns for, and promotes, the
built and natural environment of Bangor (North Wales).
The Society is recognised by the Civic Trust for Wales, and
by Gwynedd County Council for the purpose of development consultation.
This website seeks to showcase Bangor by providing useful
and entertaining information, but also highlighting some of the problems
and challenges facing the city.
Bangor Civic Society as a group and as
individuals recognise the importance of the built and natural
environment to the everyday lives of people who visit, live
and work in Bangor. We believe that a careful balance needs
to be made between protecting our historic buildings and open spaces, whilst at the same time supporting
quality developments which lead to improved facilities
and employment creation.
More about Bangor...
Bangor is nestled in a small valley surrounded
by the natural beauty of the Menai Strait and the Snowdonia National Park. It is the
third smallest city in the UK*, but has the longest High
Street in Wales, and the second oldest Cathedral seat in
the UK (ca. 525). It has a good range of local parks and green spaces and a grade II listed Victorian pier all within 15 minutes walk. It is on the main A55 route which crosses North Wales, and is a key station for train services which travel from Holyhead Port to Chester daily.
Bangor was the hub of export for the
slate revolution which saw Penrhyn slate dominate the world
market. Penrhyn Castle (National Trust) and port stand on the outskirts of
the City as a testament to their industrial success. The
City is known to visitors today as the 'City of Learning',
housing the University of Wales, Bangor (est. 1884), Coleg Menai and
centres for religious and teacher training. It is also the
location of Ysbyty Gwynedd (Hospital), and numerous
successful commercial and industrial parks.
Over the past 4 years Bangor has seen a tide of change. Gone, or earmarked to go, are many of the 60's and 70's buildings and temporary structures which reflect the last large scale building boom. In there place comes a new shopping centre (replacing the old Wellfield) and proposed developments from multiscreen cinemas to a marina and arts centre.
This large scale urban renewal coupled with a tide of new local businesses from fairtrade coffeeshops to noodlebars gives the sense of a City on the up despite the downturn in the economy.
Bangor Civic Society aim to do what we can to influence this change and promote the City and its history. We hope you enjoy using this site and look forward to bringing you more content on planning, development and history over time.
*excluding the City of London