WORK is to start shortly on Millennium Integrated Primary School’s new multi-million pound campus outside Saintfield.
Contractors — who are currently readying the site for the cross-community new build — are aiming to complete the ultra-modern school in the spring of 2027, marking the start of another exciting new chapter in its history.
The new 14 class primary and double nursery unit is being built at the rear of the existing school which is to be bulldozed when pupils move into their new home.
Featured in the new new school base are hard and soft play areas, car parking and ancillary works, including extensive cut and fill into existing underlying rock and the planned demolition of the existing building.
The scheme design was completed by the integrated consultant’s team led by McAdam Design, with the tender process completed late last year.
Approval to proceed with the construction of the scheme has now been granted, with Felix O’Hare appointed last month to delivery the exciting new project.
Millennium principal, Mr Barry Corrigan, said he’s delighted to see the work going forward.
“This is a testament to the vision and determination of the founding families of Millennium to bring true integrated education to the communities of Saintfield and Carryduff,” he said.
“The school build will also see state of the art computer technology areas as the school builds on its reputation for leading the way in these areas, with Millennium the first primary school in Northern Ireland to be awarded Microsoft Showcase school status.”
Looking forward, Mr Corrigan said the new school presents a “fantastic opportunity” to cement high quality teaching and learning experiences in Millennium through state of the art facilities.
“We are building on our successes in the past to secure a bright future for all connected with Millennium,” he added.
Mr Corrigan, in tandem with the Board of Governors and members of the PTA have worked tirelessly on the new school development.
Currently, there are almost 400 at the school, with hopes that the new build can pave the way for an additional number of places, taking the total to 420 so the school can accommodate 30 pupils per class.