Education Minister John O’Dowd has opened new £1.52million sports accommodation at Saintfield High School, delivered through the School Enhancement Programme.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: “It is a pleasure to be here today to officially open the new £1.52million sports hall and changing facilities which were provided through my Department’s School Enhancement Programme. This investment has allowed the school to address the accommodation issues and I am delighted to be here today to see the end result.
“Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education. The School Enhancement Programme is an important way of providing much needed work to our schools estate and I am confident that this investment will help in the drive to improve educational standards.”
The School Enhancement Programme (SEP) was announced in 2013 for projects up to £4million. The programme is targeted to meet the urgent needs of schools through smaller scale works, where a new build is not deemed deliverable.
Concluding the Minister said: “I always enjoy visiting schools and meeting with staff and pupils. It is particularly enjoyable when I am highlighting investment that not only has an impact on the lives of those connected with the school but also provides a boost to the local construction industry.
“I thank everyone involved with this project for their hard-work and commitment in taking the project forward to completion. I wish everyone well for the future.”
Principal Vivien Watt said: “This is a wonderful day. I am just thrilled that money was made available through the School Enhancement Programme to make our dreams a reality for all our pupils. It is a magnificent sports facility, enjoyed by all our students, extra-curricular clubs and societies, and the boys and girls from Academy Primary School. This is a real investment in the future of our school – in the lives of our young people and the wider community.”
