GRAHAM appointed to construct new Dunclug College campus

The privately-owned contractor commenced the first stage of its phased construction programme in March 2021.

Located adjacent to the Cushendall Road, the project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024.

Construction of the new teaching facility on the existing all weather pitch to the rear of the existing facility is the first stage of the construction process. The state-of-the-art 11,358m2 building will be a mix of both single and two storeys.

Once the new building is completed the school will then decant from the existing school to the new facility, the old building will be demolished, and extensive playing fields and sporting provision will be developed in parallel with the finalisation of external site works.

Dunclug College is a post-primary school that caters for a cohort of approximately 900 pupils. It is at the heart of community life in the north of Ballymena

GRAHAM Project Director, Garry Farmer said: “Our delivery team is especially looking forward to the opportunity of creating this new facility. Many of them live in the surrounding areas and therefore understand the need for this new facility at Dunclug College. The new school will provide a state-of-the-art teaching platform that will transform the learning experience of all of the college’s students and GRAHAM is delighted to have been selected by the Education Authority to bring this scheme to life. Our phased programme of works was developed specifically to meet the immediate and future requirements of Dunclug College and we will work collaboratively with the school throughout our programme to ensure all of its needs are met.”

Dunclug College Principal, Mr Niall Oliver continued: “The pathway to progress has been fraught with many challenges, but the achievement in getting the project to this stage is tribute to the commitment and resilience of all associated with the college, for which I am profoundly grateful. The plans for the new school are very exciting. We look forward to the days and years ahead and to seeing the school continue to go from strength to strength in the outworking of its worthy aims.”

Paul Gray, Chair of Governors added: “The Board of Governors are delighted that a contractor has been appointed for the new building for the school. With school numbers still increasing we know that the Principal and staff will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to utilise the new and enhanced accommodation.”

Construction is being funded by the Department of Education.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you