Schools get a multi-million pound boost

St Patrick’s Academy will receive in the region of £4 million in the first stage of their plans to redevelop the school.

The money will be used to provide an additional sports facility and a major free standing extension, which will include an HE suite, art suite and audiovisual areas.

There will also be work to improve access and parking.

Wallace High School will get a boost of £3.2 million, to allow them to build new education suites and refurbish existing facilities at the school.

Work planned at the school includes a purpose built extension for Home Economics and Art, the modification and extension of existing technology facilities.

And there will also be a new purpose built extension for a fitness suite and changing facilities.

Friends School Lisburn was the third local school to significantly benefit from the £134 million School Enhancement Programme, which was announced by the Education Minister this week,

Friends’ School will receive £3 million, which will be used for new accommodation for the Music Department and classroom accommodation and the refurbishment of some existing classrooms.

It is envisaged that the new building will replace Harding House.

Making the announcement of the multi-million pound investment on Tuesday, the Education Minister John O’Dwod said: “I have previously made it clear that the limited capital budget available means that we also need to do more with the existing estate.

“That is why I established the Schools Enhancement Programme with a view to refurbishing and extending some of our school buildings.