A new state-of-the-art fitness suite and additional classroom facilities at Lurgan College could be built and operational within two years.
For the Education Authority has now gone out to tender to appoint an integrated supply team for the provision of what is being billed as a ‘school enhancement programme’, and one which falls within the major category of development.
The contract carries a price tag of close to £6 million and the deadline for submissions is early next year.
It is hoped to appoint a successful contractor to the scheme by March, with a view to the works at the College Walk site being completed by November 2027.
It is an exciting time for Lurgan College and news of the tender process moving forward will be a welcome Christmas present for pupils, parents, teachers and staff.
The works will involve the construction of a new-build standalone two-storey sports building with sports hall, complete with fitness suite and changing accommodation.
The project would also see the demolition of “an existing two-storey changing room block and the construction of a new replacement two-storey teaching block extension”.
The works will also involve the refurbishment of the existing tennis courts.
Meanwhile, five modular classrooms would be removed.
The project covers full construction works, mechanical and electrical services and all associated site works.
When completed, Lurgan College would benefit from the provision of in the region of 20,000 sq ft of additional floorspace and facilities.
Two planning applications for the development had to be given the go-ahead at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s planning committee in June, given that the college is a Grade B1 listed building.
Part of the works relate to that main building, so listed building consent – together with full approval for the proposals – had to be granted.
And it was a former pupil of Lurgan College, DUP Councillor Kyle Moutray, who proposed the recommendation to approve, saying he was “award of the need for this”.
“I think the school has had a lot of false dawns in terms of their redevelopment and so this is very much needed. There has been a huge reliance on modular buildings,” said Councillor Moutray at the time.
“I know they’ll welcome the modernised sports hall as well. That will be great and it will follow on in the rich vein of sporting success which the school has had.”
News of this major scheme was first announced two years ago, in December 2023, and coincided with the conclusion of Lurgan College’s 150th anniversary year.
Full details of the exciting scheme were subsequently unveiled in January 2024.
Lurgan College was founded in 1873, originally as a private boarding school for boys. After several changes and extensions, 1968 saw it become a selective, non-denominational, co-educational 14-19 grammar school.
According to the College website, it offers a predominantly academic education up to A Level in a wide range of subjects.
The tender, for a given estimated period on paper of one year, five months and one day, would certainly deliver much-needed accommodation and the facilities required to maintain its reputation in educational excellence, both inside and outside the classroom.
