Cllr Archie Rae welcomes contractor appointment for £7.28m Glenravel primary school build

Artist’s impression of the new building for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel, County Antrim.

Confirmation that a contractor has been appointed to deliver the new £7.28 million school building for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel has been welcomed as a major milestone for the local community.

The rural primary school in the Glens of Antrim has faced a lengthy journey to reach this stage, with the announcement bringing renewed optimism for pupils, parents and staff who have campaigned for a modern facility for many years.

Sinn Féin councillor for Braid, Archie Rae, described the news as “a great day for our school and for the people of Glenravel”, paying tribute to the persistence of all those involved in bringing the project forward.

The school shared the update with its community, saying:

“We are delighted to announce to our school community and the Parish of Glenravel, that a contractor has been appointed to build a new school for MQP PS.

“This is wonderful news and after many years and significant challenges, we will have a new school build that our pupils deserve to learn and play in.”

Further details were outlined by the Project Board overseeing the development of the new facility.

Site plan for new build Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel, County Antrim

They said:

“On the 28 May 2024, the Minister of Education announced that the new build school project for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School could proceed to construction.

“A formal tender process commenced in August 2024 to appoint a successful building contractor.

“The Trustees and Board of Governors are pleased to announce that Woodvale Construction Ltd. were formally appointed as the successful building contractor on 2nd February 2026.

“Construction work to the value of £7.28million is due to commence on site early March 2026, with completion planned for the summer of 2027.

“We look forward to providing you with updates on the project.”

Sinn Féin councillor for Braid, Archie Rae

Councillor Rae said the announcement reflected years of determination and effort behind the scenes.

He added:

“It has been a long time coming and a lot of work done by a lot of people.”

“Delighted that after what was once thought of as a pipe-dream and many ups and downs, the foundations of our children and future generations are secure in education and a state of the art primary school.

“My great thanks to everyone involved in this over many years. Your dedication and perseverance has paid off.”

For the Glenravel community, the project represents more than a new building. It marks the delivery of a long-held ambition to provide a modern, welcoming and fit-for-purpose learning environment for children growing up in the Glens of Antrim.