Dunclug College rebuild set to move forward as £130m school investment programme reaches construction stage

CGI of new buildings for Dunclug College, Ballymena

A major new school building for Dunclug College has taken a decisive step forward, with confirmation today, Wednesday 29 April, it will now progress to construction as part of a multi-million-pound investment programme—delivering long-awaited transformation for pupils, staff and the wider Ballymena community.

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that Dunclug College is among four major works projects across Northern Ireland that will now move onto the construction stage, unlocking a share of more than £130 million in capital investment over the next four years.

The decision marks a significant milestone for the Ballymena school, where plans for a full replacement facility at Doury Road have been years in development and are widely seen as a catalyst for regeneration in the north side of the town.

Long-awaited rebuild moves from planning to delivery

The progression to construction follows planning approval granted in February 2025 by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee for a new purpose-built Dunclug College.

The approved scheme will deliver a modern replacement school building on the existing six-hectare site, which is shared with Dunclug Primary School and Dunclug Nursery School.

Designed as a mix of double-storey and single-storey accommodation arranged around a central external courtyard, the new campus will include enhanced teaching facilities, playing pitches, sports courts, car parking, landscaping, and improved site access.

A key feature of the project is the inclusion of a dedicated special educational needs (SEN) centre, reflecting the school’s current profile, where just under ten per cent of its approximately 900 pupils have identified additional needs.

The development also introduces a new bus turning circle aimed at easing long-standing congestion issues at peak times by reducing pressure on the existing lay-by at Doury Road.

Planning officials confirmed that the project will be delivered in phases, with strict conditions requiring a detailed programme of works to ensure continuity of education and minimise disruption.

Investment aimed at reversing decades of underfunding

Announcing the move to construction, Education Minister Paul Givan made clear the urgency behind progressing projects that have faced prolonged delays.

“I have today agreed to release a small number of major works and school enhancement projects to construction stage,” he said.

“Many of these projects have been in planning for a significant number of years, serving schools that are in exceptionally poor condition that have seen little or no investment and now urgently require replacement buildings.

“Whilst I continue to work to secure a Capital Budget settlement that can deliver the investment required for our school estate, it is clear that these schemes cannot continue to be held back.”

The Minister described the decision as part of a carefully managed approach to capital spending, balancing financial constraints with the need to address long-standing deficiencies across the school estate.

“I believe this is a prudent approach to manage overall capital expenditure by very carefully controlling the number of schemes released to construction procurement, as part of a balanced portfolio of schemes aimed at addressing the decades of underinvestment in our school buildings.”

He added that the move would bring immediate benefits not only to schools but also to the construction sector.

“Proceeding to construction stage will be very welcome news for the schools, pupils and wider school communities concerned and for the wider construction industry.”

A major boost for Ballymena’s north side

For Dunclug College, the development represents far more than a new building—it is a cornerstone project for a community-facing campus that serves a diverse and growing population.

Principal Niall Oliver previously told councillors that the school, which opened in 1971, has outgrown its ageing facilities and now requires a modern environment to support its educational vision.

With around 900 pupils, a staff of 140, and a free school meal entitlement rate of 40 per cent, the school plays a central role in supporting families across the north of Ballymena.

Mr Oliver said the new development would ensure the college remains “a key focal point within a shared site” while enhancing provision alongside the neighbouring primary and nursery schools.

He emphasised that the investment would “bring significant investment to the north side of Ballymena and secure regeneration for the site”.

Responding to today’s announcement, Dunclug College principal, Mr Niall Oliver, said:

“This is a great day for our school community and a significant milestone for all that we have worked for on the North Side of Ballymena. Both the Governors and I have maintained an unwavering and strong case for funding in recognition of generations - past, present and future.

“We will continue to ensure that pupils remain at the heart of everything we do as we move forward to optimise learning and prepare for life.”

Design and safety considerations built into phased delivery

Planning officials outlined how the project will prioritise safety and continuity during construction.

Principal planning officer Gary McGuinness told committee members that the phased approach is designed to maintain day-to-day school operations while ensuring strict separation between construction zones and active educational spaces.

“We are dealing here with children. When the contractor comes into play, the highest standard of safety will be in place to ensure there is a separation between construction works and existing educational facilities. Health and safety will be paramount,” he said.

The phasing strategy is reinforced through planning conditions requiring a detailed programme of works before development begins.

Head of planning Kyle Patterson confirmed that these conditions are designed to enforce a structured and carefully managed build process.

Addressing infrastructure challenges on site

Traffic and parking pressures were also central to discussions at the planning stage.

While acknowledging that parking constraints are common across many school sites, officials indicated that the redesigned layout would deliver measurable improvements.

The introduction of a dedicated turning area for buses is expected to ease congestion and improve overall traffic flow, particularly during peak drop-off and collection times.

Although not a complete solution, planners said the changes would “go some way to alleviate problems” by freeing up space and reducing reliance on the existing lay-by.

Unanimous backing reflects local confidence in project

The project secured unanimous support from councillors when it was approved, reflecting strong political and community backing.

Ballymena DUP councillor Reuben Glover described the development as “a really good news story”, highlighting the impact a modern, state-of-the-art school would have for pupils, staff, parents and boards of governors.

His proposal to approve the application was seconded by Braid Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Barr and agreed without opposition.

Frew welcomes funding secured for new Dunclug College build

Confirmation that Dunclug College will now progress to construction has been welcomed as a major breakthrough for the Ballymena school, with North Antrim MLA Paul Frew stating that funding is now firmly in place for the long-anticipated rebuild.

Speaking following the Minister’s announcement, Mr Frew said he was “delighted” to see the project reach this stage, describing it as a defining moment not only for the school but for the wider area.

“I am delighted to announce that funding has been secured for a new school build for Dunclug College, Ballymena. Dunclug College is one of the four major works announced by the Education Minister which will progress to the construction stage. The total capital investment on these projects is just over £130 million across the coming four-year period,” he said.

Framing the development as a turning point for the town and beyond, Mr Frew pointed to the scale of the investment and its wider impact across both education and the construction sector.

“This is a hugely significant day for Dunclug College and the Ballymena area, as well as the wider construction industry. I want to thank the Education Minister for his work in getting this project to this stage and also commend the staff and governors of Dunclug College for their input in this process. I have no doubt that our very successful visit to the school just last week assisted the Minister greatly in his deliberations.”

He added that the announcement represents a wider boost for North Antrim, expressing confidence that the project will now move quickly into delivery.

“This is a real good news story for North Antrim. I look forward to seeing the work begin on this exciting new development for Dunclug College, as well as continuing to champion the needs of our fantastic schools right across North Antrim. This is DUP delivery in action, working for all of the community - benefitting everyone.”

Part of wider £180m schools investment programme

Dunclug College is one of four major new-build projects progressing to construction, alongside Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Priory Integrated College in Holywood, and St Malachy’s Primary School in Armagh.

In addition, nine schools across Northern Ireland will move forward with enhancement projects—smaller-scale refurbishments or extensions designed to address immediate and pressing needs—with a combined value of just over £50 million over three years.

These include Lurgan College, Greenhaw Primary School, Antrim Primary School, Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare Primary School, Chapel Road Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Belfast, St Bride’s Primary School in Belfast, and St Mary’s Primary School in Newtownbutler.

Together, the programme represents a significant step in tackling longstanding infrastructure challenges across the education system while delivering tangible improvements for communities.

For Ballymena, the confirmation that Dunclug College will now move to construction signals the start of a transformation that has been years in the making—bringing modern facilities, improved infrastructure, and renewed confidence to one of the town’s key educational hubs.

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At a glance

• Dunclug College will progress to construction as part of a £130m schools investment programme

• New replacement school approved for Doury Road site in February 2025

• Development includes SEN centre, sports facilities, parking and improved access

• School serves around 900 pupils, with 40% entitled to free school meals

• Project aims to regenerate the north side of Ballymena

• Construction will be phased to minimise disruption and ensure safety

• New bus turning circle planned to ease congestion

• Part of wider programme including four major builds and nine enhancement projects worth £180m total