Art lovers, dreamers, and Bangor believers—gather round! Let me tell you the tale of POPS Place, a little idea that turned into a big mission to breathe life back into our town.

After the buzz of the business awards, I felt this surge of energy for Bangor. It wasn’t just me—our little town is starting to dust itself off, stand tall, and strut its stuff again. I wanted to keep that momentum going, so I started brainstorming ways to help Bangor’s streets bustle like the good old days.

Cue a chance chinwag with Councillor Blaney, who mentioned that he and his business partner Wayne Adair (of Papas Minerals fame) owned an old, derelict takeaway on Upper 92 High Street. Better yet, they shared my passion for Operation Make Bangor Great Again. Wayne & Craig offered me the space rent- and rates-free for two months. Just like that, the concept of POPS Place was born.

Turning an Empty Shell into a Creative Haven

Now, Christmas is usually a madhouse for artists—commissions flying in faster than I can paint—but this? This was something bigger. I didn’t just want to fill a shop; I wanted to prove a point. If I could take a neglected space, whip it into shape, and make it thrive, then surely other landlords would see the potential in doing the same.

So, off I went. First step: CLEANING. Let me tell you, folks, I nearly lost my lunch a few times tackling that grime. But we soldiered on! My family joined the fray, and we painted everything. If it wasn’t bolted down, it got a fresh lick of paint. Shoutout to Crown Paints for swooping in with supplies like absolute legends.

Next came power and lighting. Huge thanks to Trimble Electrical Services, who turned the shop from a safety hazard into a snug, welcoming space. Then there was this giant industrial cooker hood stuck to my studio wall. A few deep sighs later, I boxed it in with a wooden wall—a blank canvas ready to soak up all the creative chaos.

And the floor? Three whole days spent stripping it back to its former glory. My socials have the whole transformation documented—because if you don’t share your blood, sweat, and tears online, did it even happen?

The Big Reveal 🎉

Fast-forward 11 days (yes, just 11!), and POPS Place opened its doors. It’s not just a shop; it’s a working studio, a hub for community creativity, and proof that Bangor’s empty spaces can shine again.

Here’s the best part: the landlords now have a fully revamped space, ready for a future tenant (spoiler alert: that might just be me).

A Message to Landlords

Listen up, landlords of Bangor! That empty unit gathering dust? It’s got potential. Give an artist a shot—a little rent-free breathing room to work their magic. Before you know it, your derelict shop could become a bustling creative hub, maybe even a permanent business.

So, to everyone who’s supported POPS Place—whether you’ve visited, helped out, or just cheered me on—thank you. This is only the beginning, folks. Bangor’s heart is beating again, and we’re just getting started.

Stay cool,
Johnny ✌️

ps make sure to stop by 92 High Street Bangor and check it out yourself