O’Hare & McGovern have been appointed as the Integrated Supply Team for the new Ulidia Integrated College. They are preparing detailed construction information for the project, with the intention of starting onsite in early 2022.
Ulidia Integrated College was granted planning permission for a new £19m three-storey school in Carrickfergus, designed by Hamilton Architects. Around 700 pupils will be accommodated in 43 classrooms in a 10,314m2 building.
Located on the school’s existing site at Victoria Road, the building will be constructed over two phases – the new school and pitch first, followed by the demolition of the existing building and completion of site works.
The school has been situated at its current location since 2002, following a move from temporary accommodation in Whitehead when it first opened in 1997 with just 63 pupils. Ulidia currently has more than 500 pupils enrolled.
Principal Michael Houston said: “Ulidia’s current buildings were built to house only around two thirds of the current population of the College and are no longer fit for purpose. The build is much needed to meet the demands of our broad curriculum which offers both Grammar and All Ability Pathways for learning.
“The build will give us state of the art 3G pitches and facilities for PE, a four times larger Technology and Design suite than we currently have, a dedicated study and wellbeing space for Sixth Form, a stunning new library with far reaching views over Belfast Lough and so much more.
“Ulidia Integrated College is working hard to ensure that our young people get the best possible educational opportunities in Northern Ireland, and this stunning new building will help us get a step closer to that goal.”