A major school construction scheme is to get underway shortly on the outskirts of east Belfast.

Marking a major move forward for the integrated Lagan College, it means the cross-community initiative has come a long way since it was founded in 1981 as an initiative in educating Protestant and Catholic children together.

John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is expected to commence on site inside the next few months with the works involved in the construction of an extension and alterations at Manse Road, Castlereagh.

The £8.5 million extension is badly needed because currently over half of the schools classes are carried out in temporary mobile classrooms and even the canteen can only cater for less than half of the pupils at a time.

-- Advertisement --

The extension will address these problems and it will also provide a study area for sixth formers and specialist facilities for physical education, ICT, Home Economics, Art Science and Music.

The plans also involve associated external playing pitches, courts, landscaping, and amended car and bus parking and appropriate circulation arrangements.

Main construction work is expected to commence on site during late October, with the contract period estimated at 18 months.

Lagan College originally opened in temporary premises at Ardnavally Activity Centre beside the River Lagan in south Belfast, thanks to the hospitality of the Scout Movement, with just 28 pupils, the principal, one full-time teacher and five part-time teachers.

A move to a redundant primary school at Castlereagh on a hill-top overlooking Belfast and a link with the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum - where 1st years were taught in the Manor House until a new building was ready - saw the school develop - and all with no Government funding, as parents of pupils contributed what they could afford towards the costs.

Then maintained status was granted in 1984, which meant 100% of running costs were met by the Department of Education and the College governors were responsible for 15% of capital expenditure.

(BMcC/GK)