The historically significant Royal School Armagh may be set to expand yet again as plans that could see the sixth form social area almost “double in size” are submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for approval.
The application, submitted in the name of Mr Stephen McConnell, requests permission for a “single storey extension to sixth form area and staffroom” at the College Hill site.
A design statement accompanying the application details The Royal School Armagh as “one of a number of free schools founded in 1608 by King James I”.
“The school was to educate the sons of local merchants and farmers during the plantation of Ulster,” it adds.
And, a school of this vintage often contains a considerable amount of architectural character. While the original buildings are protected by Grade B+ listed status there are a number of “newer modern parts to the school” that have been developed throughout the years.
To assuage any concerns surrounding loss of character or historical ‘significance’, the design statement describes the proposed scheme as a “single storey extension to the lower level of the more recent part of the school” – which is not listed.
“It will allow the sixth form social area to be approximately doubled in size to accommodate all the sixth form pupils.
“It also allows for a quiet staff work area separated from the staffroom as well as providing additional female staff toilets.
“The extension is designed to be a modern flat-roofed brick structure with a glazed façade. The brickwork walls will form a parapet around the flat roof. The selection of materials will be durable and long lasting.”
It adds: “We do not consider that the scheme will have a detrimental effect on the ‘significance’ of the listed building as we consider the extension to be of minor impact.”
Additionally, the extension – if approved – will provide “level access externally from the playground and internally from the main sections of the school”.
The application comes just one year after plans were approved for a new-look state-of-the-art Prep School building and two-storey Sixth Form Centre.
Related: Plan to build new Royal School Armagh Prep – and Sixth Form Centre – gets go-ahead
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
