Huge new Cullybackey College rebuild could transform traffic, sport and education in the village

3D Aerial views of proposed new campus for Cullybackey College, outside Ballymena

Cullybackey could be set for one of its biggest education and infrastructure transformations in decades under ambitious plans for a brand-new 700-pupil college campus, major new sports facilities and sweeping road upgrades aimed at tackling long-standing traffic problems around the village.

The multi-million-pound proposals for Cullybackey College have now officially entered public consultation, marking a major step forward for a project that would completely reshape the existing Dreen Road site and significantly alter traffic movement through one of the area’s busiest junctions.

As well as replacing the current school with a modern post-primary campus, the plans include two new roundabouts, redesigned road layouts, upgraded pedestrian infrastructure and extensive recreational facilities that could also become a major community asset outside school hours.

Residents travelling through the Dreen Road area would see dramatic physical changes under the proposals, including expanded school grounds, new junction arrangements, dedicated bus infrastructure, new sporting facilities and landscaped outdoor spaces designed around a significantly larger modern campus.

The development is centred on lands to the north, south and west of No. 41 Dreen Road, including No. 130 Dreen Road.

Long-awaited investment moves into consultation stage

Site map of proposed new campus for Cullybackey College

The proposals represent a major milestone in the long-running effort to modernise education facilities in Cullybackey while also addressing persistent concerns around traffic congestion and safety close to the school.

The consultation documents outline plans for a completely rebuilt school designed to accommodate up to 700 pupils in what is described as a flexible, modern learning environment built around both academic and vocational education.

The proposed campus would include:

• modern classrooms for core subjects

• specialist Science facilities

• dedicated Home Economics rooms

• Technology and Design workshops

• vocational learning spaces

• a greenhouse for practical learning

• a modern library

• pupil support and pastoral areas

• administration facilities

Ground floor plan for proposed new build Cullybackey College

First floor plan for proposed new build Cullybackey College

The redevelopment is intended to create a significantly upgraded educational environment for both pupils and staff while expanding recreational and outdoor space across the site.

Village traffic could be radically reshaped

One of the most significant aspects of the project is the scale of the proposed road and transport changes around the school and wider village.

The plans would fundamentally alter traffic movement around one of Cullybackey’s busiest areas, with extensive redesign work proposed to improve safety, reduce congestion and better manage the large volume of buses, cars and pedestrians using the area each day.

Proposed road and infrastructure plan for new Cullybackey College campus

The transport proposals include:

• a new roundabout at the junction of Dreen Road and Cardonaghy Road

• revised carriageway layouts

• upgraded pedestrian crossings and walkways

• an additional roundabout to the south of No. 35 Dreen Road

Traffic congestion around school opening and closing times has been a long-standing frustration for many residents and parents, making the infrastructure element one of the most locally significant aspects of the overall scheme.

The plans place a major emphasis on separating pedestrians, cyclists, buses and general traffic in an effort to improve safety around the campus.

Dedicated bus and pedestrian systems planned

Consultation documents state that pupil safety has been treated as a central priority throughout the site design.

Pedestrians and cyclists would use a dedicated entrance separated from general traffic and positioned away from the adjacent roundabout and main road traffic flows.

Once inside the site, pupils would move through a network of pathways and crossings designed to reduce interaction with vehicles as much as possible.

3D elevations for proposed new Cullybackey College school building overview

3D elevations for proposed new Cullybackey College school building (back)

3D elevations for proposed new Cullybackey College school building pupil entrance

3D elevations for proposed new Cullybackey College school building main entrance

Most pupils are expected to travel by bus, with the proposed design incorporating a dedicated bus circulation route serving 12 bus stops.

The transport layout has been specifically designed to allow buses to enter and leave the site efficiently without reversing, reducing risks around busy drop-off and collection periods.

Pupils would then move towards the school building using designated footpaths and controlled crossing points.

Cars entering from Dreen Road would access parking areas at the front of the campus for staff, visitors and pupils.

A total of 126 car parking spaces are included within the proposals, alongside additional ancillary parking close to school meals facilities.

Separate service access roads would also allow deliveries and maintenance vehicles to reach vocational classrooms, science facilities, greenhouse areas and catering accommodation without disrupting pupil movement around the site.

Major sports facilities planned for school and community use

The redevelopment proposals also include a major expansion of outdoor sport and recreation facilities which planners say could serve both the school and the wider community for years to come.

The proposed sports provision includes:

• one synthetic multi-purpose pitch

• two football pitches

• one rugby pitch

• five tennis courts

The plans also feature a large hard play area measuring approximately 3,450 square metres to the rear of the school building.

That area could additionally be used as overflow parking during larger events when required.

A landscaped internal courtyard with outdoor seating and social areas is also proposed at the centre of the school complex to support pupil wellbeing and day-to-day circulation around the campus.

Planners say the overall site layout has been developed around environmental and practical considerations including topography, acoustics, existing trees and hedgerows, field patterns and movement across the site.

Consultation website now live

Members of the public are now being invited to review the proposals and submit feedback before a formal planning application is lodged.

The dedicated consultation website is now live and will remain open until Tuesday 26 May 2026.

Full details of the redevelopment proposals can be viewed at the button below:

Consultation - share your thoughts

When finally approved, the development would represent one of the most significant infrastructure and education investments seen in the Cullybackey area in recent years — with the potential to reshape not only the future of the college itself, but also traffic flow, recreational provision and the wider appearance of a key part of the village for decades to come.