£150,000 transformation brings new colour to prominent Galgorm roundabout

Pictured are some of the Galgorm Estates Team, Head of Grounds Stephen Mackle, along with Jack L and Chris Millar.

A prominent gateway between Ballymena and Galgorm has been transformed following a £150,000 investment which has seen hundreds of roses, hedges and silver birch trees planted around the well-known Galgorm roundabout.

The two-year project by Galgorm Collection has combined major restoration work with extensive new landscaping, with the hospitality group saying the investment is intended to create a lasting improvement for residents, businesses and visitors to the village.

£150,000 invested over two years

Work began in 2025, when £100,000 was spent restoring the structure of the roundabout, including its stone wall, alongside tree planting.

A further £50,000 has been invested this year in landscaping, with 865 roses, 800 box hedges and 50 multi-stemmed silver birches planted across the site.

The birches are also due to be underplanted with daffodils later this year, creating a new display when they flower next spring.

The transformation has been led by Stephen Mackle, head of grounds at Galgorm Resort, who said considerable planning had gone into ensuring the planting would provide interest throughout the seasons.

Pictured are some of the Galgorm Estates Team, Head of Grounds Stephen Mackle, along with Jack L and Chris Millar.

He said:

“It’s been a real privilege to oversee this transformation. Getting the planting right takes real planning. We chose the roses and box hedging for structure and long-season colour, while the silver birches will add height and movement as they mature. Underplanting them with daffodils later this year means there’ll be a fresh display come spring, so the area keeps evolving through the seasons.”

‘This project feels especially personal’

The roundabout occupies a highly visible location in Galgorm and is passed daily by residents, commuters, local businesses and visitors travelling to and from the area.

Galgorm Collection CEO Colin Johnston said the prominence of the site, together with the group’s links to the village, had helped drive the decision to invest in its transformation.

“In keeping with our mission and culture, we’re committed to investing in projects that help elevate our communities and drive positive social impact,” he said.

“Galgorm roundabout is such a prominent feature in the village, encountered by countless residents, business owners and visitors every day. The village is also home to many of our own employees, which makes this project feel especially personal to us. We wanted to commit our resources to this transformation, creating a standout space for the area while supporting the local community.

“As a business, we recognise the role we play in securing the area’s future, whether that’s creating employment opportunities, sponsoring a sports team, or engaging with our local schools. This project is another example of that ongoing commitment, and we look forward to working on future projects in both Galgorm and Cullybackey.”

Wider investment in the local community

Some of the roses and shrubs planted in the public car park just off Galgorm Roundabout.

Galgorm Collection now employs more than 1,400 people across its hotels, restaurants and golf experiences, following significant expansion of its hospitality operations over the past decade.

Its wider community activity includes partnerships with local schools and colleges as well as support for sporting organisations including Cullybackey Blues FC, Netball NI and the Antrim Camogie Minor squad.

The group says the roundabout project forms part of that wider commitment to investing in the communities where it operates and where many of its employees live.

NI Legends returns to Galgorm in September

The completion of the latest landscaping work comes shortly before another major event for the area, with the NI Legends golf tournament returning to Galgorm from 4–6 September.

Thousands of golf fans are expected to attend during the three-day competition, which will bring a number of leading names from the sport to the local course.

Entry is free for spectators.

Further details on the NI Legends event are available at: galgorm.com

With the main £150,000 transformation now in place, the appearance of the roundabout will continue to develop as the newly planted trees mature and the planned daffodils add another layer of colour next spring.