1. Dr Chris Boomer Planning Manager for Mid Ulster

2. The evolution of “Home Place”
In 2013 Magherafelt DC bought former police Barracks to “de-militarise” and regenerate Bellaghy.
In August 2013 Seamus Heagney died who was rooted in this part of south Derry and who was inspired by its people and landscapes
In response to local people who wanted to celebrate Seamus Heaney and in co- operation with Marie Heaney and the family the idea for HomePlace: “ a home for inspiration, echoing the life literature and legacy of Seamus Heaney” was born

3. Rationale for selecting the site
Originally the former manor house, ideal for a landmark building.
Gateway entrance to the village
Located on the Castledawson approach

4. Local Community and Heaney family helped set objectives for home place:
To provide a timely appropriate arts and literacy product offering and tribute at local , national and international level to Seamus Heaney
To enhance the artistic and cultural identity and heritage of the new Mid Ulster Council area
To act as a catalyst to regeneration and overcome the economic conditions that had been prevalent in the area
To create a “shared space” that helps further stimulate social cohesion across the area.
“It is not a museum or a memorial but a centre which will be a catalyst for creativity, literary tourism, community cohesion, economic development and regeneration”

5. Designing a catalyst for Artistic Creativity, education community development, tourism and regeneration
Designed to
Retain stone walls and characteristics of original manor house
Re-uses metal cladding of the former police station
avoids over engineering and car parking dominating the centre
provides a viewing platform of the countryside
Create open space for interaction
Plays creatively with levels on the site to create separate spaces inside and out.

6. Resulting in a centre to be proud of:

7. That provides a gateway to the village and fits with in with local heritage

8. That utilises past materials and recognises the former manor house and police station

9. That provides a space for learning and performance

10. Provides a gateway for tourists

11. And a place for the local community to relax