Board plans to sell off disused schools around Lisburn

During a recent meeting the Commissioners were updated on proposals to dispose of land throughout the city which has now been deemed surplus to requirement.

Properties being sold off include Legacurry PS, land to the rear of Derriaghy PS, Hillhall PS, Hilden Integrated Primary and Rathvarna Resource Centre, which was recently granted listed status following a campaign by the local community to protect it from demolition.

Many of the vacant buildings have been empty for some time and there has been concern that some were becoming magnets for anti-social behaviour.

The Board are currently progressing a number of sales and are seeking planning permission for some of the sites, including proposals for a caravan site at the Board property on the Ballylesson Road.

They have revealed plans to sell the former Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School on the open market and stated several interests have been expressed. They are also disposing of the former Legacurry Primary School and have transferred land at the rear of Derriaghy Primary School to Lisburn City Council.

The Board is also seeking legal advice about the disposal of the former Ravarnette Primary School, after it emerged the Board does not have the legal title to the property.

Outline planning permission is currently being sought for the former primary schools at Drumbo and Hillhall, while Charley Memorial will be transferred back to the original trustees.

Helm Housing Association has expressed an interest in purchasing Rathvarna Resource Centre, with possible funding from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive being available in 2010/2011. And a housing association has also expressed interest in purchasing an all weather pitch at the rear of Poleglass Youth Centre.

The Board have indicated they may retain Hilden IPS, which they say has potential for a joint Board educational facility, as well as Lambeg PS, which will be used for storage.

There is still a question mark surrounding the future of the land on the Drumbeg Road, which had been set aside for a new East Lisburn Primary School, which is now not going ahead. To date the land has not been offered for sale but there has been no indication as to whether or not the land will be sold in the near future.