Ballymena school submits plans for new two-storey sports pavilion

Proposed south elevation of new sports pavilion

A planning application has been submitted for the development of a new two-storey indoor sports pavilion within the grounds school in Ballymena, marking a significant investment in modern sporting facilities for pupils and the wider community.

The proposal, lodged for Ballymena Academy on Galgorm Road, seeks full planning permission for a purpose-built sports facility designed to replace existing temporary modular buildings currently used for indoor sport and changing accommodation.

Replacing temporary facilities with a permanent solution

According to the Planning, Design & Access Statement prepared by Gravis Planning, the development is intended to provide modern, fit-for-purpose sporting facilities that better meet the needs of Ballymena Academy while also supporting community use outside school hours.

Two of the existing single-storey modular buildings would be removed as part of the scheme, while a third — currently used as a fitness and conditioning suite — would be retained and re-clad to visually match the new pavilion, creating a cohesive appearance across the site.

What the new pavilion would include

The proposed two-storey building would accommodate a wide range of sporting and educational uses.

Plans show the ground floor housing a large sports hall, changing facilities, offices and support spaces.

The first floor would include a gym, flexible teaching and analysis rooms, kitchen facilities and an enclosed viewing terrace overlooking the adjacent sports pitches.

A lift is included within the design to ensure full accessibility, meeting inclusive design standards and allowing access for all users.

Designed to fit its setting

Architecturally, the pavilion has been designed with a contemporary yet understated appearance, using blackened timber cladding, aluminium-framed glazing, concrete plinths and a standing-seam metal roof.

The design aims to integrate sensitively within the existing school campus and surrounding sports grounds.

The building would be located at the northern end of the development site, an area already used for sporting activity, with existing tree cover helping to limit visual impact beyond the campus.

While some trees would require removal to facilitate construction, the statement confirms efforts have been made to retain as much existing planting as possible, supported by a tree survey and arboricultural assessment.

Access, parking and sustainability

Site plan as proposed

Access to the pavilion would be via existing internal roads within the Ballymena Academy campus, with no new access point onto Galgorm Road required.

Existing car parking would remain in use, alongside pedestrian and cycle links connecting the pavilion to sports pitches, the main school building and nearby facilities  .

The development also incorporates sustainable design measures, including permeable surfaces and sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water, despite the site not being located within a flood risk area.

Benefits beyond the school gates

Proposed north elevation of Ballymena Academy sports pavilion

While primarily intended to support Ballymena Academy’s sports and education programme, the statement highlights that the pavilion would also be available for wider community use, helping to promote physical activity and wellbeing locally.

Planners argue the development aligns with both local and regional planning policies, including the Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan Strategy 2030 and the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland, particularly policies supporting education, health and recreational facilities.

The application concludes that the proposal represents a positive and appropriate enhancement of the school grounds, replacing outdated temporary structures with a high-quality, permanent facility designed to serve pupils and the community for years to come.