Ballykinlar ‘hub’ report is complete

Ballykinlar ‘hub’ report is complete

18 September 2013

CONSULTANTS have completed work on examining the cost of redeveloping the former Kindle Primary School in Ballykinlar to provide a new village ‘hub’.

The cost — which has not been made public —has been forwarded to the South Eastern Education and Library Board which owns the Commons Road building and is also being studied by senior Down Council officials.

The Ballykinlar and Tyrella Community Association is keen to see the former school saved from dereliction to provide local people with a much-needed facility.

Last May, its members made a special presentation to local politicians on the building’s potential future and said they are ready to help find funding to help meet the purchase and renovation costs of the building.

Down Council is also submitting a funding application to the Space and Place initiative if agreement on the future can be reached with education officials.

The Community Association believes the former school could be utilised by education and health organisations to provide a range of services for local people.

It’s a view shared by councillor Dermot Curran who is keen to see the derelict school redeveloped for community use.

“Education officials have already indicated that if the former school was redeveloped, they would be prepared to lease part of it to provide a range of services for young people. This would provide an income stream and help offset running costs,” he suggested.

“Community officials are willing to do all they can to make the dream of a new village hub a reality. I hope this issue can be progressed. It is clear that a partnership approach and securing a cocktail of funding are the key ingredients to a successful outcome for all concerned.”

Councillor Curran said the Ballykinlar and Tyrella areas have missed out on major investment over the years and views the redevelopment of the former primary school as an opportunity to address this.

He added: “The former Kindle school offers a range of exciting opportunities for local people and could be at the heart of village life for many years to come.

“People in Tyrella and Ballykinlar are willing to play their part and not sit back waiting for something to happen. They want to be at the forefront of helping with the social regeneration of their area.”