Major £14m regeneration bid submitted with plans to restore and reimagine Galgorm Estate

Galgorm Castle, Ballymena

A bold £14 million regeneration plan promises to breathe new life into one of Ballymena’s most historic estates — with a boutique hotel, arts venues and more than 200 jobs at its heart.

Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Limited (GCEP), custodian of Galgorm Castle, has submitted a full planning application for what it describes as a landmark restoration and renewal programme.

If approved, the ambitious scheme would not only rescue the estate from continued decline but reposition it as a major cultural and economic driver for the area.

The project represents a combined investment of over £14 million. It is expected to create 125 jobs during the construction phase and a further 90 permanent roles once works are complete.

Three strands, one transformation

The regeneration proposal is built around three interconnected elements:

• Restoration of the Castle, Stables and Courtyard, followed by conversion of the castle into a 30-bedroom boutique hotel to be operated by Galgorm Collection.

A CGI image of the Galgorm Castle forecourt. 

• Restoration of the ruined Church into a 60-seater intimate heritage hub designed for small group, literature, drama and historic performances.

• Development of the Ploughman’s House into a 120-seat performance centre for traditional music and arts, creating space for performance, creativity, public gatherings and visitors.

Together, the plans seek to blend commercial sustainability with cultural preservation — an approach trustees say is long overdue.

A CGI image of the church. 

Ian Paisley, Chair of the Trustees of GECP, said:

“Our vision is to move beyond piecemeal development and address the estate’s decline through a single, holistic and genuinely transformative plan; one that respects Galgorm’s built fabric, honours its intangible heritage, and recognises the special place it holds in the heart of the community.

“We believe the proposal achieves an exciting and carefully considered balance between commercial viability and clear, lasting public benefit.”

A castle steeped in history

An outstanding example of Jacobean architecture, Galgorm Castle dates back to the early seventeenth century. Over the centuries it has stood at the crossroads of some of Ireland’s most significant moments.

From the Battle of the Boyne to the Easter Rising, the estate has been linked to figures associated with both government and rebellion.

It has also been connected to cultural movements ranging from the development of the Orange Order to efforts to preserve language and culture. Few estates in Ireland, trustees argue, carry such a dense concentration of historical threads.

A CGI image of the front of the Ploughman’s House

Ian added:

“Galgorm Castle is a jewel in the crown of our local heritage, and this project represents a once-in-century opportunity to secure its future. Our proposals show how sensitive commercial activity can sit alongside environmental protection and community benefit.

“The Board of Directors are delighted to be part of an initiative that will ensure this treasures the estate, its buildings, landscapes, and history are enjoyed long into the future, nurturing local culture and creating jobs.”

Reconnecting landscape and community

Beyond buildings, the application includes reinstating original paths, trails and gardens to reconnect the castle with its wider landscape.

The proposals aim to improve links with the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Gracehill, while creating natural amenities for the community to use and enjoy.

The aspiration, trustees say, is bigger than restoration alone.

Ian concluded:

“Our aspiration is for Galgorm Castle and Estate to become a world-class destination, welcoming creative artists and performing groups from across the community, the country and further afield, while also serving as a driver of sustainable local economic growth.

“We want the estate’s landscape, trails, and historic setting to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, and for Galgorm to act as a beacon that attracts further investment, partnership, and opportunity into the area.”

Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Tyler Hoey has welcomed the £14m regeneration bid at Galgorm. He said:

“As Deputy Mayor, I am delighted to see this news, bringing jobs to Bannside.

“Galgorm Castle is an iconic building within the greater Ballymena area. After the sad news of two local shops closing their doors, this news is to be welcomed.

“Transforming Galgorm Castle into a boutique hotel, opens the door for international tourism, and with the award winning golf course in Galgorm just adjacent to the castle, the opportunities are enormous.

“This is a good news story for Ballymena. As politicians, it is our duty to help and bring jobs to our communities.

“I am excited to see this project, and looking forward of what's to come.”

A planning decision will now determine whether this once-in-a-generation vision for Galgorm Castle moves from blueprint to reality — potentially reshaping a historic Ballymena estate for decades to come.