DRAPERSTOWN firm Heron Brothers Ltd have been awarded a multi-million pound contract to build a new post-primary school in Magherafelt by the North Eastern Education and Library Board.
Construction of the ultra modern replacement school for Magherafelt High will begin in January and the pupils and staff are expected to move into their new accommodation after the completion of the first phase of the contract in September 2011.
Th
e demolition of the old school building, which dates from 1956, and the creation of new pitches and car parking are scheduled for completion by December of that year.
Welcoming the news that the start on site had finally been given the go-ahead, Magherafelt High School’s principal Brian McCluskey said: “Everyone connected with the school is delighted to hear this news.
“We can now look forward to the state-of-the-art facilities which will be provided for the benefit of the children, parents and of the whole community in the Magherafelt district.
“It’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of the school and we are very grateful to all those who have played a part in getting things under way.”
DUP MLA Ian McCrea welcomed the announcement from the Education minister that the tender has been announced for Magherafelt High School.
“I welcome the announcement today by the Education Minister that the tender has been awarded to Heron Brothers for the new build at Magherafelt High School and that work is to commence early next year,” he said.
“As an MLA I have consistently raised the need for the new build and am delighted that we have finally got the approval for the new build.
“I believe that this new build will help the local economy and I hope that local people will benefit from any additional jobs.”
Ulster Unionist Assembly Member, Billy Armstrong welcomed the long awaited announcement by the Education Minister of the confirmation that a new build will take place for Magherafelt High School.
He said: “At last we receive the confirmation that the new school is to be built for Magherafelt High School. This very welcomed announcement has been a long time coming!
“The parents and students of Magherafelt High School will be pleased that they will receive their promised school.
