Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the start of construction work on the new £72 million Ballycastle Shared Education Campus, on which Bennett Freehill is providing MEP Design and BREEAM Consultancy Services as part of the Heron Bros IST.
Cutting the first sod, on 21 June 2024, to officially mark the beginning of construction on the new shared school campus building for Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle, the Minister said:
“Today marks the start of an exciting new era for Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College as work officially begins on the new shared education campus. I welcome the £72million investment from the Fresh Start Programme which is a significant milestone for both Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College. Once completed, these new facilities will provide much needed education benefits for pupils, staff, teachers, parents and for the wider community.”
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are a partner on this project, contributing a further £3.8m to enhance the sports facilities for community use.
When complete the new facility will provide pupils, teachers and staff with first class indoor and outdoor facilities.
Geraldine Duffy, Principal of Cross and Passion College and Ian Williamson, Principal of Ballycastle High School said:
“We are delighted that our shared education campus in Ballycastle has reached this exciting milestone. This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people and wider community in North Antrim. It is testament to the vision and dedication of our predecessors from both schools that we have reached this significant stage.”
Heron Bros were appointed to carry out the construction works. Construction on site began in early May 2024 and is due to be completed in late summer 2027.
Pictured: Education Minister Paul Givan with Mr. Ian Williamson, principal, Ballycastle High School, Mrs. Geradline Duffy, principal, Cross & Passion College and pupils.
Photo credit: Department of Education