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