Council reveals Benone development blueprint

Causeway Coast and Glens Council has published a ‘blueprint’ for a major revamp of its leisure complex at Benone Strand.

Once the subject of sell-off plans, the document now recognises Benone as “a significant recreational, tourism and environmental asset” and identifies opportunities for short, medium and long term investment which, the authors say, will strengthen the long-term financial and environmental sustainability of the site

Among the most eye-catching ideas are a “reimagined splash pool” with nearby crazy golf, tennis and skateboarding facilities.

A revamped glamping site with high-end luxury camping cabins is proposed, alongside a possible outdoor adventure park.

The blueprint also recommends retaining the site’s nine-hole golf course, but perhaps enhancing facilities and reopening the driving range.

In 2025 councillors agreed to abandon plans for an immediate sell-off of 'Benone Holiday and Coastal Park' site

With running costs escalating, the council had engaged consultants to study the site's potential and their report concluded with a recommendation to release it onto the open market.

The advice was initially adopted but elected members held fire until a stakeholder consultation had been completed.

After hearing the public's views, councillors reversed their decision and instead agreed to draw up an ambitious long-term masterplan.

According to the Blueprint document that will be delivered to members of the council’s Leisure and Development Committee on Tuesday, much of the existing infrastructure at Benone is over 35 years old.

“Product development and experiential refreshes have not kept pace with visitor expectations and competition,” it states.

But the authors say the current lack of immersive, outdoor attractions in the Binevenagh region creates an opportunity for year-round visitor experiences.

“This Benone blueprint presents an opportunity to fill these gaps by providing a compelling outdoor, nature oriented and family-friendly attraction.

“By integrating a number of experiential components including sea-based water activities, environmental and landscape-based tourism experiences, golf, accommodation, health and wellbeing and family friendly activities, the centre will offer unique visitor experiences that complements the natural beauty of the area.”

Councillors are told the blueprint draws from “an extensive stakeholder consultation exercise” which identified “a strong preference for Benone to remain in Council ownership, with an emphasis on protecting its natural environment while exploring opportunities to improve existing facilities and develop a more sustainable and financially viable offering.”

Councillors are warned that the Blueprint is intended only as a guide future decision-making and investment planning

“All proposals will be subject to further consideration of financial viability, wider economic and community benefits, environmental sustainability, planning requirements and funding availability,” the report concludes.