A major extension – complete with a new sports hall – is being planned at Lurgan College.
Full details of the multi-million pound plans for the College Walk site are to be unveiled in mid-January.
A pre-application notice has been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Such a notice is made when an application falls within the major category of development.
It would add close to 20,000 sq ft of floorspace to the college facilities.
The notice has been lodged by the Education Authority and information gained during the public feedback sessions will be used to shape a full planning application to follow at a later date.
What is being planned is a new sports hall and fitness suite, together with ancillary accommodation.
An existing teaching block would be demolished and five modular classrooms removed.
A new teaching block extension is being proposed.
At the same time, tennis courts on site would also be resurfaced.
Such works would mean a major investment – both financially and educationally – going forward.
For the news comes in a milestone year – its 150th anniversary, to be precise.
Lurgan College was founded in 1873, originally as a private boarding school for boys. After several changes and extensions, 1968 saw it become a selective, non-denominational, co-educational 14-19 grammar school.
According to the College website, it offers a predominantly academic education up to A Level in a wide range of subjects.
It adds: “At this time 11+ type examinations were abandoned in the Craigavon area and replaced by an effective system of delayed academic selection at age 14. Pupils enter the College at the start of Year 11 or Year 13, transferring from junior high, secondary or grammar schools.”
The public information event will take place in Lurgan College and people will have their chance to learn more on what exactly the project will entail.
