Spencer West advises Galgorm Collection on landmark £30m links golf course development
Spencer West Northern Ireland has advised the Galgorm Collection on the contractual negotiations with landowners for what is set to become Northern Ireland’s first new links golf course in more than a century.
The proposed Bellarena Golf Links, a £30 million championship-level course located between Portrush and Limavady, will join the elite cluster of world-renowned courses on the north coast, including Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock.
The Spencer West team of John McMahon and Richard McLaughlin acted for Galgorm Collection in negotiations with landowners and their advisors in relation to the site. The firm has been retained as legal counsel on this project for the Collection.
Subject to planning approval, construction on the course could begin as early as 2026, with a target opening date of 2029. The project is anticipated to create more than 300 new jobs for the region.
John McMahon, Partner at Spencer West Northern Ireland, said the project will significantly enhance golf tourism infrastructure in the region.
“This is a once-in-a-century project that represents both a major investment in Northern Ireland’s north coast and a powerful statement of confidence in the region’s global tourism appeal,” McMahon said.
“This project brings together a complex range of stakeholders, land interests and commercial objectives – the kind of work where our local knowledge, technical capability and client focus really adds value.
“We’re proud to support Galgorm Collection in delivering a development of this scale, ambition and long-term strategic value, and it’s a privilege to be part of something with such far-reaching potential for the regional economy.”
The Galgorm Collection portfolio includes a chain of hotels, the Galgorm Resort, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, Roe Valley Resort, The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, together with the Fratelli and Cafe Parisien restaurants.
Richard McLaughlin of Spencer West Northern Ireland, who in a joint instruction from Galgorm and the R&A recently provided all the liquor licensing legal services and advice to the hugely successful 153rd annual Open Championship at Portrush.
“Galgorm have been long time supporters of golf in this jurisdiction and this commitment and major investment shows their confidence in the future of links golf tourism as a major driver of the wider economic tourism strategy here,” McGlaughlin said.
Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm Collection, said the Bellarena Golf Links complements both the Collection and Northern Ireland’s existing golf offerings.
“Bellarena Golf Links is an exciting opportunity to create a world-class golfing destination. We’re grateful to John and Richard at Spencer West for their advice and deep understanding of the strategic importance of this project – they’ve been a trusted partner in helping us get to this stage,” Johnston said.
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