£500k extension for Tildarg Primary

Performing the honours was former principal Lynda Mitchell, who left the school in June.

The new facility features a new entrance hall, new principal’s office, new hall, new servery for the kitchen, a hygiene room and classroom.

Building work commenced last March and was finished in time for the start of the new academic year in September.

Principal Kara Dickson said that the facility had doubled the size of the 74 pupil school at Tildarg Road.

Mrs Dickson was delighted to welcome dignitaries from Newtownabbey Borough Council and representatives from the North Eastern Education and Library Board for the special occasion.

She indicated that there are also plans in the pipeline for a second building phase which would see the addition of a further two classrooms, changing rooms, a larger playground and soft play area.

This second phase is expected to cost a similar sum and if approved, building work could start in the new financial year.

The principal added: “This would give us close to a replacement school and really means we have security. It shows that the NEELB wants us to stay, has confidence in us and we are able to grow. We want to let people know we are here.”

Tildarg Primary was established in 1823 and was staffed by two teachers who were husband and wife.

Meanwhile, a coffee morning, held in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity, following the official opening, raised £1,000.

Mrs Dickson said: “We have had fantastic support from the community. We will continue to grow and try to get the word out there.”