North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston, pictured with fellow MLA’s Paul Frew, and Michelle McIlveen, with North Antrim MP Jim Allister, Principal David Donaldson and college students.
North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has welcomed significant progress on the long-awaited new build for Cullybackey College, following a recent update from the Education Minister.
Gaston, who tabled a question to the Minister to seek clarity on the project’s timeline, described the latest developments as “another big step taken in the right direction.”
The update follows years of collaborative efforts, with Gaston noting, “This update is another big step taken in the right direction after involving multiple meetings with Jim [Allister, MP], Paul [Frew, MLA] and myself meeting shareholders over the years to get the Dreen Road site as the preferred location.”
The Dreen Road site has been a focal point of discussions, reflecting a strategic vision for the college’s future and the surrounding area.
Gaston has consistently advocated for the relocation, arguing it addresses multiple local issues.
“I have long maintained that moving the College will do away with the need for the Cullybackey bypass and allow this land to be developed for housing and the rest left as green space,” he said.
He also highlighted the daily traffic challenges faced by residents, adding, “The relocation of the new school will also do away with the Pottinger Street gridlock at school times which I encounter every morning.”
The Education Minister provided a detailed response to Gaston’s query, outlining the current timeline and next steps.
“The Integrated Consultant Team are progressing the spatial co-ordination and developed design, with the end stage report (RIBA Stage 3) anticipated to be lodged with the Department for consideration in the second quarter of 2025,” the Minister stated.
“It is anticipated that the Planning application will be lodged in summer 2025. The current programme anticipates construction to commence in the last quarter of 2026, however this will be dependent on a number of factors, including completion of site acquisitions, planning approval being granted and budget availability.”
Expressing optimism about the project’s trajectory, Gaston said:
“I trust the ambitious timescales provided by the Minister will be met and I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Board of Governors, Jim, Paul and other stakeholders to ensure this project is delivered.”
His commitment reflects a collaborative approach to seeing the new build through to completion, a project he believes will bring lasting benefits to the Cullybackey community.
The proposed relocation and new build mark a significant milestone for Cullybackey College, promising not only modern facilities for students but also a broader positive impact on local infrastructure and development.
As the project advances, all eyes will be on meeting the outlined timescales and overcoming any potential hurdles to ensure its success.