Local firm awarded major school contract
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.
The 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. It is just unfortunate that many of those students will not experience the new build as the estimated completion date is two years away.
“This is also good news for a local contractor, Heron Bros, creating much need jobs in the area, and providing a boost of good news for Christmas.
“The new school for Magherafelt High is an issue that I have been lobbying the Education Minister for a considerable amount of time and I am pleased that eventually she has seen sense and finally made a decision that will help the children of the Magherafelt area.
“I will continue to lobby the Education Minister for other new builds for Magherafelt on behalf of the students and parents of all the children in the Magherafelt area.”
SDLP Assembly member Patsy McGlone said: “The final approval of the revised economic appraisal of the Magherafelt High School Major Capital Scheme, four months after the original tender was approved, is welcome news for all.
“The continued delay had risked undermining the original tender and I have been urging the Minister to make a decision on this and other capital building schemes for some time.
“The Board, teachers, parent and pupils will be grateful that the confusion about the future provision of education at Magherafelt High School has been resolved at last.
“But it is not the only capital scheme being held-up by the department.
“At a time when our local construction industry needs all the help they can get these delays are damaging their ability to survive the current economic difficulties.
“I will continue to press for movement by the department and a prompt resolution of all other capital schemes.”
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Weather for Belfast
Saturday 04 February 2012
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Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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