Major redevelopment plans unveiled for Cullybackey College with 700-pupil campus and new road network
- Love Ballymena
- 7 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Cullybackey College’s current school premises on Pottinger Street
Ambitious plans to completely redevelop Cullybackey College with a new 700-pupil post-primary campus and major road upgrades have moved into the public consultation stage, marking a significant step forward for long-awaited improvements to education facilities and traffic infrastructure in the village.
The proposal, centred on lands to the north, south and west of No. 41 Dreen Road and including No. 130 Dreen Road, outlines a full rebuild of the existing school site alongside extensive transport changes at one of Cullybackey’s busiest junctions.
New 700-pupil school and expanded facilities proposed
The redevelopment plans would see the creation of a modern post-primary school designed to accommodate up to 700 pupils, replacing existing facilities on the Dreen Road site.
As well as the new school building, the scheme includes:
hard play areas
sports pitches
car parking provision
landscaping
associated site works across the wider campus
The proposals aim to deliver a significantly upgraded educational environment, with a focus on modern infrastructure and expanded outdoor and recreational space.
Major road changes planned at key junction
Proposed site for new Cullybackey College campus with site boundary marked by red line
Alongside the new school, the scheme includes substantial road infrastructure works aimed at addressing long-standing congestion issues in the area.
Plans include:
a new roundabout at the junction of Dreen Road and Cardonaghy Road
revised carriageway layouts
improved pedestrian arrangements
an additional roundabout proposed to the south of No. 35 Dreen Road
The transport upgrades form a central part of the development, reflecting ongoing concerns about traffic flow and safety around the school and wider village.
Public consultation process opens to community
Residents, parents, and local stakeholders are being invited to take part in a formal Pre-Application Notice (PAN) consultation process before a full planning application is submitted.
A dedicated online consultation website at www.cullybackeycollegeplanningconsultation.com (website domain to be confirmed) will go live for 29 consecutive days from Tuesday 28 April to Tuesday 26 May 2026. The digital platform will include:
detailed plans of the proposed development
the red line boundary of the site
contact details for the project agent
digital presentation boards outlining the scheme
an online feedback form for written submissions
In addition to the online consultation, an in-person public event will take place at Cullybackey College on Thursday 14 May 2026 between 4pm and 7pm.
A leaflet drop is also planned for residents and businesses within the development boundary and within a 50-metre radius, while the school’s social media channels will be used to promote both consultation events.
“Big news for Cullybackey” — Frew welcomes progress
North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has welcomed the launch of the consultation process, describing it as a positive development for the area while cautioning that delivery remains some distance away.
He said:
“I need to stress that whilst this is a welcome step in the right direction, a new school is still a long way off, but having said that this is big news for Cullybackey and the wider North Antrim area.
“This PAN represents the future of educational facilities in the wider area and it’s good that the public can have their say during this PAN process which not only includes a brand new state of the art school, but also includes road works entailing a new roundabout, carriage way and pedestrian arrangements at Dreen Road and Cardonaghy Road.”
Mr Frew added that he has been involved in supporting the school’s engagement with the Department of Education and the Education Authority over a number of years.
“I have been glad to assist the school when called upon to engage with the department of Education and Education Authority over the years and we know that the village has had issues with congestion in the village and around the school so it’s important that people have their say.”
Long-standing congestion concerns tied into development
Traffic pressures in Cullybackey, particularly around school times, have been a recurring issue for residents and those travelling through the village. This scheme aims to resolve a congestion hotspot with infrastructure designed to support the proposal.
The inclusion of new roundabouts and redesigned road layouts within the proposal signals an effort to integrate transport improvements alongside educational investment, rather than treating them as separate issues.
The consultation phase now provides an opportunity for the public to influence both elements of the scheme before it progresses to a formal planning application.
Next phase will shape final planning submission
Feedback gathered during the consultation period will inform the final design before a full application is submitted to planners.
While the plans represent a major step forward, the project remains at an early stage, with further approvals, funding considerations, and construction timelines still to be determined.
At a glance
Plans unveiled to redevelop Cullybackey College with a new 700-pupil school
Site located on lands around Dreen Road, including No. 130 Dreen Road
Proposal includes sports pitches, play areas, parking and landscaping
Major road upgrades planned at Dreen Road and Cardonaghy Road junction
New roundabout and improved pedestrian and carriageway layouts included
Additional roundabout proposed south of No. 35 Dreen Road
Public consultation runs online from 28 April to 26 May 2026
In-person consultation event set for 14 May at Cullybackey College
Leaflets to be distributed within 50m of site boundary
MLA Paul Frew describes plans as “big news” but says delivery is still “a long way off”