Northern Ireland set for first new links golf course in a century as Galgorm reveals £30m development plans
Bellarena Golf Links is still subject to planning approval but the intention is for work to start as soon as possible, potentially as early as next year, with an eye on a 2029 opening date.
The Galgorm Collection say that the project will create 300 new jobs in the area as well as increase the organisation's investment in the area to £65million after their acquisition of the Roe Park Resort in Limavady.
The group purchased both it and Galgorm Castle Estate in a £50million deal last year and has pledged £22million to the redevelopment of the renamed Roe Valley Resort, which also boasts an 18-hole golf course.
Economy minster Dr Caoimhe Archibald commented on the news: 'Golf tourism generated a record £86 million for the region last year and this month's Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further.
'I commend the Galgorm Collection team for their confidence and ambition in supporting our drive to amplify the regional prosperity which the sport can bring.'
Bellarena is conveniently located along the train line from Coleraine to Londonderry, which will aid with transport links for tourists, as well as being served by the main coastal road.
'With a rich heritage and stunning views, Northern Ireland is a highly sought-after destination for golfers from across the globe and our golf strategy focuses on maximising our strengths to continue to grow this crucially important part of our tourism offer,' said Ellvena Graham, Tourism Northern Ireland board chair.
'Galgorm Collection has been a pioneer in developing an outstanding, internationally acclaimed tourism product and I'm delighted that this key, experienced tourism stakeholder is further investing in this area.'
The Galgorm Collection are perhaps best known for their chain of hotels, which includes the Galgorm Resort, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, while they also operate the Fratelli and Parisien restaurants.
Galgorm Golf Club famously hosted the innovative mixed-gender ISPS HANDA World Invitational on the DP World Tour and LPGA Tour, as well as the Irish Open during the Covid-19 pandemic, and is currently preparing to host an NI Legends event on the European Seniors Tour next month.
Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston added: 'Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland's stunning north west coast will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify our outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs.
'Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029. We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole.'
Welcoming the plans, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said: "Tourism is an important element in the economic development of the North West and an investment of this scale by Galgorm Collection will provide a major economic boost for the area and create new job opportunities while also helping to showcase the region's outstanding natural assets.
'This investment will also help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more widely spread, supporting local growth and prosperity. I'm delighted at the news and look forward to seeing these plans progress over the months ahead.'
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