The Department of Communities (DfC) has announced funding of more than £1 million to support the delivery of three new, iconic art installations in Bangor.

The Bangor Waterfront Art Installation, by renowned artist and Bangor resident Colin Davidson, will showcase the 'new' Bangor City Centre in the context of the substantial investment being brought to the City by the Queen's Parade and Bangor Waterfront City Deal projects.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons made his announcement during a visit to The Court House in Bangor, where he received an update from Ards and North Down Borough Council on the Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment and from Bangor Marine on the Queen's Parade Development.

The main art piece, to be situated along the Waterfront, will be a six-metre-tall set of hands entitled 'Hope Returning', with the two smaller sculptures to be located at Pickie Park and Eisenhower Pier.

Minister Lyons said: "These unique artworks will be a welcome addition to the Bangor Marina area. They will create a clear sense of arrival in the city, delivering increased tourism numbers and economic benefits."

Each bronze-cast piece will include a QR code linking people to information and stories of the area, enabling them to interact with the Borough's unique history and heritage on a number of levels. Lighting will also be used to bring these stories to life, providing further opportunities by inviting people of all ages to interact with the art and cast their own shadows, therefore making their own stories.

The Minister continued: "We have seen in other places around the world, such as the Angel of the North in Gateshead, the UK-wide Poppies: Weeping Willow Exhibition, and the Giants of the Sperrins; how art-led-regeneration has the potential to improve the image of a city or place. It creates iconic attractions, increases civic pride, and raises the profile and international reputation of the area. This project will deliver a range of benefits to Bangor and the wider area, including increased city centre footfall and visitor numbers, economic stimulus, and the creation of a strong sense of place and focal point for the city."

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour commented: "Many cities are renowned for their public art as a focal point for residents and an attraction for visitors. As Bangor moves forward to realise the potential of two very significant investment opportunities over the next 5 to 10 years, this landmark installation will both help to pave the way for, and support the potential of, these game changing developments in our new city."

Artist Colin Davidson added: "As a long-time resident of Bangor, it is a true honour and privilege for me to have been invited to offer my artistic input on the exciting regeneration of this part of our city. My hope for this series of bronze artworks is that they will offer visitors and locals alike many unique, engaging, and interactive opportunities to participate personally and learn about the history and heritage of this beautiful part of our coastline."