This new purpose built school will replace the existing school at Bridge End, just 500 metres from the new site, which however has a considerable deficit in space and no outdoor sporting facilities for the 820 pupils currently enrolled.
Representing a £40M capital investment from the Department of Education, this school will provide high quality accommodation for Abbey Community College with a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) accommodation to cater for pupils with additional needs. This will represent one of the largest dedicated SEN facilities in a mainstream school in Northern Ireland and provide a vital resource as an excellent learning environment for all children in the local community.
Set back from the main road, this new state-of the art, 12000sqm building will include investment by the Education Authority for the reconfiguration and upgrade of the sports facilities across the entire site, which includes three grass pitches, one 3G pitch and five tennis courts. In addition the site will also provide ample car parking spaces and offer road access from Doagh Road and pedestrian access from both Doagh Road and Bridge Road.
The Education Authority places great emphasis on the social value from new build projects and will ensure that all contractors create employment in the local community through apprenticeships and trainee positions during the construction.
Chair of the Planning Committee Councillor Robert Foster said; “I welcome this significant investment to our Borough. Abbey Community College is at the heart of the community, supporting our young people to achieve their full potential. This new school will provide the pupils with much needed outdoor facilities and soft play areas helping to maintain their health and well-being. The addition of the dedicated SEN facility with also be an essential service for our local children with special needs.”
(image credit:Gregory architects)
