Ballycastle Shared Education Campus: A Landmark Project for North Antrim
A major new chapter in education and community development is taking shape in Ballycastle, County Antrim, with the construction of the new Ballycastle Shared Education Campus.
Designed to bring Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College together on a purpose built shared site, the £70 million plus development is set to provide modern educational, sporting and community facilities for up to 1,200 pupils.
The project represents a significant investment in the future of Ballycastle and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area, creating a modern learning environment while providing facilities that will also be available to the wider community.
A Purpose Built Shared Education Campus
The Ballycastle Shared Education Campus has been designed around the principle of shared education, providing both schools with dedicated facilities while creating opportunities for students and staff to learn, work and collaborate together.
The development has been designed to maintain the individual identity and ethos of each school while providing a shared environment that supports greater collaboration and interaction.
The new campus will create flexible learning spaces designed to support a wide range of teaching and learning requirements, alongside extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Construction Underway in Ballycastle
Construction began in May 2024, with Heron Bros appointed as the main contractor for the project.
The development is being delivered through a phased construction programme, allowing both existing schools to continue operating while work progresses on the new campus.
The main school building is scheduled to welcome pupils in September 2026, with further elements of the development, including sports facilities and external areas, continuing towards completion in 2027.
With the construction programme expected to span approximately 40 months, the project represents a substantial undertaking and one of the most significant education developments in the area.
Modern Education and Sports Facilities
At the heart of the development will be a new core school building featuring modern classrooms and adaptable learning environments.
The wider campus will also include a dedicated sports building and pavilion, creating extensive opportunities for both school and community use.
The outdoor facilities will include a 2G hockey pitch, 3G GAA pitch, soccer pitch and multi use games areas.
The campus will also include an EA Youth Service day activity building and grounds maintenance storage facilities.
The sports facilities are being designed with community use in mind, allowing local residents and organisations to benefit from the new facilities outside normal school hours, including evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Investment in Ballycastle and the Wider Community
The project is being funded primarily through the UK Government’s Fresh Start Programme, representing an investment of approximately £70 million to £72 million.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is also contributing an additional £3.8 million towards enhanced sports facilities, helping to increase the opportunities for community use once the campus is complete.
The scale of the investment means the project extends beyond the creation of new schools. It is helping to create a long term community asset, providing modern educational, sporting and recreational facilities for generations of young people in Ballycastle and the surrounding area.
Supporting Shared Education
The campus is an important development for shared education in Northern Ireland, bringing together two schools with established links while creating a purpose built environment for continued collaboration.
The shared facilities are expected to provide opportunities for joint curriculum activities, staff development and collaboration between pupils, while allowing both schools to retain their own identities.
By creating opportunities for young people from different backgrounds to learn and participate together, the campus is designed to support both educational development and wider community engagement.
Connecting Students with the Construction Industry
Large construction projects such as the Ballycastle Shared Education Campus also provide valuable opportunities to introduce young people to the construction industry.
Initiatives such as Open Doors Week have provided students with opportunities to see the construction process first hand, gain an insight into the range of careers available within the industry and experience the work taking place on the site.
From skilled trades and engineering to project management, design, logistics and construction technology, projects of this scale demonstrate the wide range of careers that contribute to delivering a modern building.
Building for the Future
When completed, the Ballycastle Shared Education Campus will provide a modern environment for education, sport and community activity, representing a major investment in the future of the town.
With space for up to 1,200 pupils and facilities designed to benefit the wider community, the project is set to become an important landmark for Ballycastle and the surrounding area.
At JP Corry Solutions, we are proud to highlight major construction projects taking place across Northern Ireland and the people, products and expertise that help bring them to life.
The Ballycastle Shared Education Campus is more than a new school development. It is an investment in education, sport and the local community, creating facilities designed to serve Ballycastle for many years to come.
