Construction work has commenced on a new multi-million pound, c.16,000m2 school for 1,300 pupils at Holy Trinity College, Cookstown.
Hamilton Architects are leading a multi-disciplinary team to deliver the school, with Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd carrying out the construction.
The new school will be situated on a shale pitch at the rear of the existing building at Chapel Street, creating a modern education facility to meet increased demand in the catchment area.
Construction at the site, which covers over 13 acres, will be delivered in two phases: Phase 1 will deliver the new school and games pitch; Phase 2 will see the demolition of the old school and completion of siteworks.
The existing school, which no longer meets the requirements of Department of Education guidelines, is to remain fully operational for the duration of the project.
The proposed design evokes Holy Trinity’s rural location by incorporating large expanses of coloured glazing, a brickwork plinth and an undulating pitched roof which harmonises with the rolling hills of the Sperrins.
The main 3-storey building will be positioned along a north-south axis around a central courtyard with single storey Sports and Technology annexes complemented by a 3G full-size GAA pitch.
Car parking and pedestrian access, along with new bus, car and taxi drop-offs, will provide access at the front of the site.