After 3 years of construction, the extension and refurbishment of Banbridge Academy is now complete.

This £17M project involved the provision of a new gym and fitness suite as well as a dining hall and state-of-the-art science, technology, home economics, music and drama accommodation together with extensive refurbishment and modernisation of all other teaching areas in the school.

The final phase of the project involved tasteful renovation the 18th Century listed Edenderry House.

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The House has been modernised while preserving the character of what had once been a family home and now serves as the administration centre for the school.

At the handover ceremony, Mr Ronnie Gregg, Senior Principal Architect of the SELB, paid tribute to everyone involved in the programme which had been running for three years. He praised Graham Construction for the quality of their workmanship and their constant focus on Health & Safety, which ensured that this major building programme had been completed without incident, whilst taking place at a busy school.

Mr Raymond Pollock, Headmaster at the Academy, thanked Mr Gerard O’Hare, Site Manager for Graham Construction, who played a significant role in the realisation of this major project.

The new buildings and sports grounds will provide the opportunity for pupils to learn, mature and develop taught by staff equipped with unrivalled modern facilities.

(GK/KMcA)