Plans Submitted To Improve Learning Spaces At Portstewart School

Plans have been submitted for internal refurbishment works at Portstewart Primary School on Central Avenue.

The proposal relates to internal alterations within the school building, including upgrades to special educational needs facilities, classrooms and support areas.

According to the Design and Access Statement, the work will focus on improving provision for pupils requiring additional support within the school. The plans include the refurbishment of two classrooms, one to provide a Specialist Provision (SP) classroom and another to be used as an IT room. The specialist provision room is designed to support pupils with particular educational needs, such as autism, language difficulties, or learning challenges, in a smaller, more supportive classroom environment.

The proposals also involve changes to other areas within the building. The existing sensory room would be subdivided to create a smaller sensory space and an additional store room, while the cloakroom area would be altered to provide a new multi-purpose room.

As part of the refurbishment, new windows will replace existing failed double-glazed units in both the specialist provision classroom and IT room. These will be replaced on a like-for-like basis using white aluminium frames to match the existing windows. Internal doors will also be upgraded to include fire doors with vision panels, while flooring will be replaced with non-slip vinyl in special needs areas and anti-static carpet in the IT room.

The statement notes that no changes will be made to the external appearance of the school, which was originally built in 1937 and is listed as a B2 category building, with later extensions added during the 1970s. The proposed alterations are located within the more recent flat-roofed sections of the building and are not expected to impact any features of historical or architectural interest.

Access arrangements within the school will remain largely unchanged. One external door will be replaced with a similar door fitted with secure access control, and new fob-controlled doors will be linked to the fire alarm system so they automatically release during an emergency. Existing internal chair lifts that provide access between different floor levels will remain in place.