Ballykinler centre plans dashed by schools body

Ballykinler centre plans dashed by schools body

11 November 2015

PLANS to develop a new community facility at the site of the former Kindle Primary School in Ballykinler have suffered a major blow.

The Education Authority has confirmed the development of the project at the Commons Road building is not its “highest priority” and it is planning to sell the site.

Education officials have also warned they have no money to invest in a new community facility “for the foreseeable future” and is advising Newry, Mourne and Down Council to consider buying the property.

The former Down Council was keen to work with education officials as part of a joint initiative to redevelop the former school, which closed in August 2008, to provide a new community centre. The local authority was also hoping to secure the building for a knockdown fee given its poor condition.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council was also keen to work with the Education Authority to breathe new life into the former primary, but will now have to go it alone and see if it can access other potential funding streams.

Since its closure, the former school has been repeatedly targeted by vandals and thieves. Downpatrick councillor Colin McGrath hopes work by council officials to identify new funding streams will be successful.

“The people of Ballykinler were promised a community facility and we must deliver on this,” he declared. “For too long they have been left to feel like the forgotten village and it is time they had their facility like so many others in the area have had.”

Councillor McGrath said villagers want a facility where they can gather as a community, engage in activities and undertake courses and clubs, with the former Kindle Primary School the ideal site.

He continued: “With each passing month, the former school site is becoming more and more dilapidated and the work to upgrade it will cost more. I proposed Newry, Mourne and Down Council dedicate some officers’ time to search for funding streams and other financial support so this opportunity is not missed for the people of Ballykinler.”

Councillor McGrath said he hopes the exercise to identify funding streams is successful, with work to bring the former primary school back into community use getting underway as soon as possible.

He added: “Local people want the former school building made safe and made available for community usage. Council officials examining funding opportunities will be liaising closely with the local community group to help pave the way for a much-needed community hub in the area.”