CONSTRUCTION on Bangor Central Integrated Primary School’s new building is to commence within the coming months.
North Down MP Alex Easton has welcomed confirmation from the Education Authority (EA) that bulldozers are to commence work sometime between July 1st and the end of September, after its chief executive Richard Pengelly said plans were afoot to appoint a contractor for the job.
But after writing to the EA boss in March in a bid to learn the reasons for the delay, Mr Easton has been told that the project had been ‘streamlined’ from a 22-class project to 17, with four specialist provision classes.
Mr Pengelly confirmed the changes to the business plan in a letter to the Independent MP, confirming also that the build would commence between July and September.
The EA chief also told the MP of its ‘target date of Quarter 3’, explaining the reasons for the delay was the school’s declining pupil numbers.
“The main reason that this project has experienced delay in the pre-construction stage is because of a significant decrease in total enrolment number,” said Mr Pengelly.
“It was originally designed as a 22-class school but in recent years the intake and enrolment have both decreased to the point that the project was at risk of failing.
“To mitigate the potential of this being realised, in August 2024 the Board of Governors were presented with options by EA and DE [Department of Education], one of which was the introduction of four specialist provision classes and a reduction of the mainstream provision to 17 classrooms,” explained Mr Pengelly.
The changes were followed by a full redesign and a revised planning application which was approved by Ards and North Down Council planners.
“Following tender assessment, moderation and clarification, a tender report was issued to the DE in February 2026.
“In tandem with the tender process, the business case addendum has been amended to deal with both the increased costs and changes to enrolment. This addendum is in the final stages of approval,” Mr Pengelly added.
Welcoming the news yesterday, Mr Easton said it will be welcome news for pupils, parents, staff and the wider school community who have waited a considerable time to see progress on this important project.
“I appreciate the detailed explanation provided regarding the delays during the pre-construction stage, particularly in relation to falling enrolment numbers which resulted in the project being redesigned from a 22-class school to a revised design incorporating 17 mainstream classrooms alongside four specialist provision classes,” he said.
Mr Easton said it was ‘encouraging’ the redesign had been approved by the council and was moving towards the appointment of a contractor.
“This is a vital investment in the future of education in Bangor and it is important that the commitments now made are fully delivered upon,” he said.
The MP said he would continue to ‘keep pressure on the Department of Education and the Minister to ensure timelines are met and that there are no further unnecessary delays to this much-needed new school build’.
