Newry school to get major extension costing well in excess of £3 million

by
Micheal McKenna
January 26, 2017

A Newry school is to benefit from a major extension at a cost well in excess of £3 million.

Our Lady’s Grammar is one of four schools which will benefit from an investment of more than £10 million under the School Enhancement Programme.

The news was confirmed this afternoon (Wednesday), by Education Minister Peter Weir.

A second call for the School Enhancement Programme also opened today.

With funding available of up to £4 million, it targets investment at schools which have “immediate and pressing needs” but where new builds are not deemed affordable or deliverable within the capital budget available.

Our Lady’s Grammar School will see the construction of a new stand alone extension consisting of a three-room Technology and Design Suite.

This will incorporate three general classrooms and will see the refurbishment of existing accommodation to provide a new two room ICT suite, six form study and general classroom.

The work will cost a total of £3,275,000 to deliver.

Also approved are improvement schemes at St Malachy’s College, Belfast, St Michael’s College in Enniskillen and Slemish Integrated College, Ballymena, all of which have now been given approval to move to the construction phase.

Minister Weir said: “This £10million investment will provide new and improved facilities and accommodation which will enhance the working and learning environment for pupils and school staff.

“Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the School Enhancement Programme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils.”