St. Malachy’s Primary School in Armagh are currently awaiting their decant to the site of the former St. Brigid’s High School on Nursery Road – signalling progress on their eagerly awaited new-build premises.
The move has been decided upon to facilitate the demolition of the current St. Malachy’s building and to ensure the safety of the school family, as continuing with the building of the new state of the art school whilst remaining on site was deemed both impractical and unsafe.
Related: Planning permission granted for new-build St Malachy’s Primary School in Armagh
And, the temporary relocation to St. Brigid’s will have additional benefits, say the school!
The new location offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, and expansive recreational areas. It’s 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 works will soon commence with the work 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.
St Brigid’s High School Armagh
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. Malachy’s 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.
As such, the faculty are currently working with their PTA and Board of Governors to mark the occasion of the transition with a few planned events.
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 programmed that St Malachy’s will be back on the Chapel Lane site within two years.
Whilst it is unfortunate that vandalism – which was widely reported – in the vacant St. Brigid’s has occurred, the decant of St. Malachy’s Primary School to the Nursery Road will once more put the premises to good use.
Father Barry – who is on the Board of Governors for the school – said in relation to the vandalism: “We are hoping that the community will protect the school.
“This is a community space and it’s going to be used in the very near future for the children of our community so it’s very important that this space is protected and we all have a responsibility in that.
“It’s a brilliant school and it really is a new era for them all and for the community in the area.”
Related: St Brigid’s in Armagh vandalised again ahead of St Malachy’s Primary move
The entire school family are looking forward to working in the new location and are eternally grateful to the trustees and parish of Armagh for agreeing to make St. Brigid’s available.
They understand that moving to a new location can bring questions and concern but urge anyone with concerns to reach out to for any inquiries or support.
St Malachy’s Primary School look forward to welcoming you to their new home and to continuing their journey of excellence in education.
Most read today
LIR Construction
