Past pupils of St Malachy’s Primary in Armagh are to be given the chance to return for “one last look” at their old school before the bulldozers move in.
The Chapel Lane property is due to be demolished, with a new state-0f-the-art building planned on site.
Ahead of that, the pupils are to relocate to the former St Brigid’s High School building while the exciting new-build moves forward.
The children will begin the new school term in September at the St Brigid’s site on Nursery Road. It has been long-vacant, but previously had accommodated students of Southern Regional College while work was taking place on the multi-million campus at Lonsdale Road.
Thousands of children have passed through the doors of St Malachy’s Primary over the decades.
And as they look to the future, it is natural the move will be tinged with sadness, as memories come flooding to the fore.
The school says it will be with “mixed emotions” that it confirms the closure of the current St Malachy’s Primary “at the end of this academic year”.
On Thursday, June 12, all with an interest in the school will have the chance to return “for one last look around the school and a walk down memory lane”.
A spokesperson said: “As we reflect on the wonderful memories and achievements that have shaped our school community, we would like to extend a warm invitation to all our past pupils to visit the school one last time.
“This visit will be an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about cherished moments, and celebrate the legacy of St. Malachy’s.
“We look forward to seeing you and sharing this special occasion together.”
The school building will be open to the public between 6.30pm and 9pm.
As Armagh I reported last month, the new location offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, and expansive recreational areas. It is also more accessible, ensuring that all members of our community can easily reach the facility – all of which can only enhance the already excellent learning environment which St Malachy’s provides.
Work has already started on the site with external fencing and groundworks, with increased CCTV and additional lighting to make sure that St Malachy’s children have the optimum learning environment.
The internal are due to be completed before the start of the summer break. Therefore, the new school year will begin on site in St Brigid’s at the end of August 2025.
To facilitate the move to St Brigid’s, all staff will be engaged in preparation for the moving of books and equipment towards the end of June.
St Brigid’s High School Armagh
St Malachy’s Primary has been at the centre of educational provision in the parish for over a century, with the present building opening in 1956, so there is obviously nostalgia and an emotional connection to their current school building.
This necessary transition is only temporary and will result in the building of a first class, modern primary school for the whole parish with the most contemporary facilities.
It is expected that, if all goes according to plan, St Malachy’s will be back on the Chapel Lane site within two years.
