In September, the Belfast Telegraph exclusively revealed the Galgorm Collection – which owns and runs the prestigious Galgorm Resort & Spa among other hotels and restaurants – was in the process of acquiring nearby Galgorm Castle Golf Club on the outskirts of Ballymena.
On Monday, the Galgorm Collection confirmed the purchase for a milestone £50 million, for both Galgorm Estate in Ballymena and Roe Park Resort in Limavady.
The combined spend, which includes acquisition costs and a multimillion-pound transformation plan for both properties, represents one of the region’s largest investments in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector and underlines Galgorm Collection’s position as the leading provider of luxury hospitality in the region.
In addition to acquiring both properties, Galgorm Collection has also committed an additional £22 million to enhance the properties and estates over the next five years, further enriching their local, national and international appeal.
Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm Collection, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort to the Galgorm Collection family.
“These are two iconic properties with strong legacies, and we are committed to building on their successes. Our £22 million investment will further enhance their offerings, creating new opportunities for guests to enjoy unparalleled experiences.
“Most importantly, we are excited to welcome the dedicated teams from Galgorm Castle and Roe Park into our collection.
“Together, we will continue to drive innovation and excellence, shaping an exciting future for these renowned destinations.
“We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the people of Ballymena. As the home of our flagship property, Galgorm, Ballymena has been at the heart of our journey, and its support has been integral to our success.
“We look forward to continuing our commitment to this community as we grow Galgorm Collection and welcome these new properties into our family.”
Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy said the new investment will help cement Northern Ireland’s “international tourism reputation” and the acquisition represents a major boost to the economy.
“This significant £50 million investment by Galgorm Collection represents a major boost to the wider economy and local communities and will also help cement the north’s Galgorm Collection is already a key player in our hospitality offering and this investment demonstrates their commitment to the sector and is a vote of confidence in the tourism potential here for local and international visitors,” he said.
“The investment very much aligns with my economic plan of delivering good jobs and a regionally balanced economy where economic development is felt beyond our main urban centres. This kind of investment helps ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt across the north, supporting long-term growth and prosperity.”
Christopher Brooke, Owner of Galgorm Castle added: “We are both delighted and saddened with today’s announcement – developing Galgorm Castle estate from a state of disrepair to a thriving development has been a life’s work.
“Securing its future was critical and we have now achieved this; it has been an honour and a privilege to have played a small part in Galgorm Castle’s rich history.”
Galgorm Collection has expanded and invested significantly in its portfolio over the last few years. That includes its flagship resort and spa in Ballymena.
Aside from the main building, it also has its Thermal Village, and a range of cottages, log cabins and shepherd huts.
It also operates the Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick, along with The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, and Parisien and Fratelli in Belfast.
News Catch Up: Monday 11th November