WATCH: Belfast High unveils new Â£3.8m sport and drama facilities

Dame Mary Peters and Education Minister Peter Weir with pupils at the opening of Belfast High School's new sports and drama facilities. INNT 22-521CON Pic by Kelvin Boyes

The development - the result of a £3.78million investment by the Department of Education and the school - comprises a sports hall, a fitness suite and a synthetic turf playing area.

The state-of-the-art facilities at the Shore Road school also include a new drama studio.

Addressing staff, pupils, governors and guests at the official opening, the Minister said: “I have been very impressed by these excellent new facilities and have no doubt they will be put to good use by pupils and teachers for many years to come. This scheme has been delivered under the School Enhancement Programme which provides schools with much-needed new and modern facilities.

Dame Mary Peters cuts the ribbon to officially open the new sports and drama facilities at Belfast High School. Pic by Kelvin Boyes

“Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential and projects such as this will help in the drive to improve the school environment and create a better place for pupils to learn and flourish.”

The School Enhancement Project (SEP) was announced in 2013 for projects costing between £500,000 and £4,000,000. The programme is targeted at meeting the immediate and pressing needs in schools where major capital works are not deemed deliverable.

In a joint statement released after the event, Mrs Lynn Gormley (Principal) and Mrs Charlotte Weir (Acting Principal) said: “This is certainly a day of great celebration for the whole school community. Many new opportunities will now be available for our pupils because of these state-of-the-art 21st century facilities.

“We are extremely grateful to all those who have contributed in any way towards these very welcome and much needed additions to Belfast High School.”