Lurgan College welcomes 'exciting new chapter' after £6.6m investment announcement
News that a long-awaited School Enhancement Project at Lurgan College has been given the go-ahead has been warmly welcomed.
Education Minister Paul Givan announced a £6.6m investment which will allow development plans to progress to the construction stage.
The Minister said the new provision would “greatly enhance” the experience of the young people who attend the school.
The news was greeted with excitement by the Lurgan College community.
"The building of a brand new, state-of-the-art sports hall and teaching block heralds an exciting chapter for our school, ensuring that the community that we have served so faithfully for the last 153 years can look with great anticipation to an even brighter future,” a spokesperson said.
"We greatly appreciate the support of all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. Most especially, we thank Minister Givan for signing off on this project and for his time last week, when he visited the school to see for himself the urgent need for this upgrade.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart welcomed the Education Minister’s announcement, describing it as a major milestone for Lurgan College and the wider community.
She described the announcement as “long-awaited and hugely welcome news”.
"The progression of this project to construction stage marks a significant step forward and brings with it a fantastic opportunity for the children and young people of Upper Bann,” Mrs Lockhart added.
"The delivery of a new standalone sports hall, two-storey teaching extension and drama suite will make a real difference to the educational experience of current and future generations of pupils. This investment is richly deserved and I commend everyone at Lurgan College who has worked so hard over many years to bring the project to this point.
"I want to thank Education Minister Paul Givan for his work and efforts in bringing this forward. This has been the subject of a long campaign and sustained lobbying, which I have been pleased to support alongside colleagues, and it is encouraging to now see that work bearing fruit."
The DUP MP added: “I know the Minister was very impressed during his recent visit to the school, and rightly so. Lurgan College is a school with so much to offer and this investment reflects the strength of that school community.
"While the announcement is a major step forward, it is also a reminder of the scale of investment still needed right across our school estate. This is, in many ways, a drop in the ocean compared to what is required across Upper Bann.
"That is why I am more determined than ever to continue pressing for the delivery of further investment across our area and to ensure the controlled sector is not left behind any longer. Our schools deserve fairness, support and sustained capital investment, and I will continue making that case.
"Today is a very positive day for Lurgan College and I warmly congratulate the school, the Board of Governors, pupils and parents on reaching this important milestone.”
Jonathan Buckley MLA added: “As a former pupil of Lurgan College, I have consistently advocated for this investment, and I know it will make a meaningful and lasting difference for both current and future students.”