CV Ireland 12 2024 | Page 22

22 Mill Strand Integrated Primary School Development

MILL STRAND INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

With its modern facilities , innovative design , and strategic location , Mill Strand Integrated Primary School is poised to become a cornerstone of the community , providing students with a dynamic learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth .
The Mill Strand Integrated Primary School in Portrush , on the site of the former catering college , will deliver state-of-the-art facilities for pupils , staff , parents and the wider community , securing the future of Integrated Education in the area for generations to come .
The project represents an investment of over £ 12million from the Fresh Start Programme , supported by the UK Government .
The Fresh Start funding forms part of the UK Government ’ s commitment , as part of the Fresh Start and Stormont House agreements , to deliver up to £ 500million of new capital funding over 10 years to support shared and integrated education .
McAdam Design was appointed to deliver the project and the school worked with Isherwood-Ellis to finalise the design before contractors broke ground in January 2023 . Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd are acting as Main Contractor in the construction the new school .
Together with a team from the University of Ulster , Mill Strand embarked on research into the Neuroscience of learning to identify the key elements required to create the optimal learning environment for its pupils .
This exciting initiative enabled the school to work with colleagues in higher education to create a truly special school enabling it to better realise its vision and aspirations for future generations of children and young people in the area .
Speaking on the development , Dr Mark Browne , Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education , commented : “ Ongoing investment in our schools ’ estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a high quality education that our teachers and young people deserve . As well as the investment in our schools ’ estate , it also helps to boost the local economy and secure construction jobs .
“ I am certain that this investment will have a significant impact in supporting children in their learning and promoting positive relations in the local community .”