Exploring development opportunties

Local MLA Adrian McQuillan is behind a group which has been set up in the town to look at development opportunities at the site of the former secondary school.

A meeting will be held in the GADDA building this Thursday night to get the thoughts of the community.

Speaking to The Times last week, MLA McQuillan explained: “We set this group up back in May to look at the options available for the site.

“We don’t want to raise hopes that we will definitely get the site, but the meeting will help us get a clear idea of what people want at the site - we can then put forward a plan and present it to the NEELB.”

McQuillan says that many ideas have been floated including using the former school for education and learning for school leavers to gain qualifications or apprenticeships in a partnership approach with local firms.

He also said that the group had met with the Tourist Board and the idea of turning the school into a caravan park had also been raised.

McQuillan added: “This is only the beginning of the process, that’s why we want as many people as possible to come along and give us their views.

“We need a realistic development plan.

“There are huge grounds to the school, and it is a site that is of great value to the Garvagh area.

“Any development has to be right for the town, and I have no doubt that it will bring economic benefits if we get it right.”

The meeting, at the GADDA building will take place this Thursday, September 26 at 7pm.