Major boost for Benone!
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The type of ‘camping cabin’ which Limavady Borough Council is planning to introduce at Benone. Photograph printed courtesy of Blair’s Caravans, Portrush.
BENONE Tourist Complex is set to receive a major facelift after Limavady Councillors gave the green light to a redevelopment scheme costing £355,000. The scheme was put forward by the Director of Development Services, Valerie Richmond, who explained that Benone could be eligible for grant funding from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for as much as 50 percent of the costs. As part of the project Benone could be getting new 'camping cabins', a crazy golf park, a new children's play zone, and a bistro/coffee shop with piazza.
Mrs Richmond told members: "Benone Tourist Complex is Council's main tourism attraction. It currently holds four star status under the British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme. While Council has invested some resources over the last few years to ensure that facilities continue to meet relevant standards and health and safety requirements, there is a need for Council to invest in the upgrading of facilities."
The total spend outlined for the Benone redevelopment project is £355,000. Mrs Richmond explained that Council has applied for funding under the Tourism Development Scheme, with 50 percent of total costs, £177,500, requested from NITB.
The Director also explained that "some" of the funding required from council is already set out within the draft capital programme for 2012/13 and the remainder of the money would not be required until the following financial year.
Included in the plan are new 'camping cabins' which would be new and unique to Benone. The family cabins will offer an alternative camping facility, with outdoor cooking and seating areas.
With regard to the application for funding from NITB, Mrs Richmond told members applications had to be submitted by January 6 2012 and council will now have to "wait and see" if the application is approved.
Councillor Orla Beattie said the plans were a "fantastic set of proposals" and asked when council would hear back from the NITB. Mrs Richmond said the council has been given no date of notification as yet but she added: "If they do come back and say yes to our plans, things can happen relatively quickly. There are things, such as the camping cabins, we can go ahead and purchase 'off the shelf' and the project can move quite quickly."
She explained council is keen to have some of the project in place in time for "at least part" of the 2012 Summer season.
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