Bellaghy has two significant cultural sites located in the centre of the village: Bellaghy Dawn which is owned by the Department for Communities; and Seamus Heaney HomePlace, which is owned and managed by Mid Ulster District Council.
Bellaghy Bawn Writer's Residency
The Departmet of Communities has been successful in securing €4.6m through the Shared Island Fund towards the development of Bellaghy Bawn as a place for a Writer's Residency. The project has the potential to be a driver and enabler of social and economic change for both the village of Bellaghy and across the Island. It will create opportunities for writers and for Bellaghy to be recognised as a creative hub for the arts.
The project involves the development of seven units in the outbuildings of Bellaghy Bawn, and the creation of a communal and community space with the Bawn itself. A Planning Application has been lodged and is currently awaiting decision.
Bellaghy Regeneration Plan
In order to maximise the opportunities presented by the investment through the Shared Island Funding and the continuing evolution of Seamus Heaney HomePlace, work is underway on a new Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan for the village and surrounding area.
This key plan will guide the physical regeneration of Bellaghy and the surrounding area for the benefit of the local economy and community. The Plan will be key in realising the vision of establishing Bellaghy as a hub for literary development through regeneration of the heritage and place for the benefit of the people.
The Paul Hogarth Company were appointed in December 2024 to develop the Strategy and Action Plan. A baseline survey was carried out, with initial engagement in January 2025 with local schools, businesses and the community.
Following this, findings were collated and a series of draft proposals were developed.
A community drop-in session is planned for Thursday 27 March at Seamus Heaney HomePlace from 2pm to 7pm, where the draft proposals can also be viewed and comments on them can be given.
An online survey is also available to gather feedback on the draft proposals.
Governance
A new Council Owned Company, HomeBawn Limited, will be responsible for the operation and management of Bellaghy Bawn Writers Residency.
HomeBawn Limited are currently developing a strategic vision and plan which will inform their Strategic and Business Plans.