Galgorm chief excited by latest development plans

Galgorm Collection chief Colin Johnston has opened up on some of the hospitality group’s latest plans, including development of the venue’s Ormeau Road hotel on the site of the former Holy Rosary Church.

The hotel, which will include a high-end restaurant, is slated to be called The Raven and is also expected to have 16 to 18 boutique rooms.

“I do think all our brands are unique and they have their own unique settings,” Mr Johnston, above, told he latest edition of NI Chamber of Commerce’s Ambition magazine.

“I believe this venue will attract those people who want a slightly different stay, those who are willing to do research into the property they are staying in.”

The Ormeau Road hotel received planning permission in 2019 and Galgorm Group had plans to launch the venue in 2020. However, when the pandemic hit those plans were put on hold.

Galgorm Collection is also gearing up for the opening of a residents-only spa facility at its the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, which it bought in April last year.

Mr Johnston said: “The Old Inn is at the start of its journey. We will add a spa this autumn which will be resident-only overlooking Crawfordsburn Country Park.”

Meanwhile, the company is investing £30m investment in its signature  hotel and spa in Ballymena.

That project includes a £10m accommodation offering along with plans to further expand and enhance its thermal spa facilities.

Mr Johnston said: “We are fortunate that Galgorm is situated on a 380 acre estate which gives us the opportunity to further develop our experiences.

“We have a new cycle trail that travels down the River Maine and the new mix of accommodation, as well as developing a wide range of pursuits. We need to add to the infrastructure as the property grows.”