Historic Castle Site Development Means Ballymena Office Space

A historic castle is to see a large-scale extension introducing more Ballymena office space, as Environment Minister Mark H Durkan announces planning approval.

The development at Galgorm Castle, Ballymena, is set to bring an investment of £3 million to the area, with the introduction of high specification workspace units.

The existing business park, home to some 20 small businesses, previously won the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Award, for restoration of the year. The park was designed to complement the Grade A listed castle, and the new development will be a continuation of the project.

As part of an £8 million investment by Galgorm Castle Estate, this expansion will provide as much as 8.200 square feet of dedicated office space.

Mr. Durkan said: "This is a real boost of Ballymena. it will attract businesses and therefore jobs to the area - both local and international, as well as creating jobs during the development and construction phases."

"As new Minister, I will be pushing our planners to make the right decisions as quickly as possible. This application was turned around within four months and proves how the planning system can deliver swiftly for local businesses seeking to provide significant investment and employment in their local areas."

Galgorm Castle Estate is already home to a championship gold course, due to host the Northern Ireland Open later this summer. A new garden centre is under construction, bringing with it restoration to the original Jacobean walled garden.

"What I and Department of Environment (DOE) are about is creating a better environment and a stronger economy. This development is a key piece of a jigsaw that is all coming together to revitalise this historic estate whilst bringing significant economic benefits to the local area."

Galgorm Castle was built in 1618, by royalist commander Sir Faithful Fortescue. Consisting of 245 acrea, the estate is one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in Ireland.