Former school building given new lease of life as community space

Shauna Henry, Project Officer, and David Wilson, Assistant Development Officer, from the EA, were joined by members of the Killymaddy Rural Development Group recently for the handover.

The building was purchased by the group under the Community Asset Transfer process, which facilitates the sale of surplus public buildings – by first offering them internally to EA or Department of Education departments and then to other public organisations.

This was the first time such a transfer has taken place for buildings under the EA’s ownership, as Shauna explained.

“The former Drumsallen Primary School closed in 2021 but will now undergo a new lease of life as a community space”, she added.

“It was a privilege to hand over the keys to Killymaddy Rural Development Group, and I wish them well with their plans to regenerate the building.”

A spokesperson for Killymaddy Rural Development Group said:

“We are delighted to acquire this property. Drumsallen Primary School was for almost 100 years at the heart of our community and is where generations of local families received their education in their childhood years.

“It was also a place where families met and where friendships were forged. The closure of the school was a disappointing and sad time for all those connected to the school. Now, however, we have an opportunity to once again bring life into the building.”

Pictured above: Alderman Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, front centre, with David Livingstone (front left) and Shauna Henry from the Education Authority (front right). Also pictured are members of the Killymaddy Rural Development Group and David Wilson, Education Authority.