Green light set for primary school expansion

Plans to update a Belfast primary school with a three-storey extension that will “significantly enhance” the learning environment look set to be backed. The application has been prepared by AECOM.The proposal looks to construct an extension, including a bridge link to the existing building, at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School on 700 Antrim Road.The school was opened in 1958 and currently has an approved enrolment of 632 pupils.Over the years, 11 temporary classrooms have been added to the rear of the site, and the new block will replace these temporary facilities and create additional play space areas where the mobile units currently sit.The proposed extension, which will house 12 classrooms, will stand at 12.15m in height, approximately 2m higher than the existing building.Given the scheme looks to re-accommodate pupils from the temporary mobile classrooms there will be no changes in pupil and staff numbers.The development is part of the School Enhancement Programme which was announced by the Education Minister in 2013 and looks to provide financial support of between £500,000 and £4m.In 2018, the school was revealed as successful in the second call of the programme.In order to build the extension, 29 parking spaces will be temporary relocated to the hard play court area to the front of the school.Once complete, the existing SMA block, which already has 15 spaces, will be converted to provide a staff car park.A planning statement submitted with the application said that the scheme provides a “much need update and upgrade to the existing school facilities”.It concluded that it will have a positive contribution to the school, “improving the quality of accommodation for pupils and providing a significantly enhanced learning and teaching environment”.The proposal will go before Belfast planning committee on Tuesday 20 September with the recommendation for approval.