Galgorm Resort and Spa extension

Planning permission has been granted to Galgorm Resort and Spa for a major £10m expansion which will create 60 full and part-time jobs.

The approval, announced yesterday (Monday) by Environment Minister Mark Durkan, will see a further 48 bedrooms and a new leisure suite, featuring a swimming pool and a gym, created at the renowned spa hotel.

The company, which has invested more than £25 million in the last 10 years to create one of the most successful, luxurious spa hotels in the UK and Ireland, said 60 new full and part-time positions would be created once work is completed in 2015.

Paul Smyth, Operations Director at Galgorm Resort and Spa, said: “We’re delighted that the Department of Environment’s planning department and Environment Minister Mark H Durkan have given us the formal go-ahead to proceed with our plans to provide additional new bedrooms and leisure facilities, which will ensure that we will continue to meet the demands of our quality-focused local and international customer base.

“These plans have been carefully based on our commitment to not only grow the business further but also on our commitment to deliver a top quality offering that continually exceeds the expectations of our guests.

“When combined with the significant investment made to date, we are confident that the extra facilities will underpin future growth and ensure our guests return time and time again.”

Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, said: “This is good news for Ballymena and the surrounding area. The new addition to this award winning resort will benefit tourism in mid-Antrim.

“My Department is committed to delivering swiftly for business and prevent delays for those seeking to provide significant investment. Whilst some of the ground work was laid in an earlier planning approval, this amended scheme was turned around in under eight weeks,” said Minister Durkan.